Contemporary lives revolve around electronics. In other words, we live in a digital era that is global in its reach. As convenient as instant responses to questions via A.I. may be, it also may have a detrimental effect on real life relationships. In other words, are our human relationships on solid ground, or have they gone to the wayside as we communicate primarily with BOTs that are not part of ” real life”?
Take a look at the new generation who has grown up with social media platforms, A.I. tools, sophisticated cellphones, tablets and laptops. What effect do these devices have on original thought and creativity? Are these children, teens and adults creating, developing and maintaining solid relationships with family members, schoolmates and other friends? Or, are they increasingly loners, isolated from human contact due to being occupied with undemanding online connections?
In an era dominated by digital interactions, social circles may feel simultaneously closer and more distant. We may be looking at faces on screen, but that is not the same as interacting with those same faces in real life. In fact, researchers have shown that physical health and relationship satisfaction are deeply interconnected aspects of our lives. A growing body of research highlights how these two domains influence each other in profound ways, impacting overall well-being and quality of life.1
The solution may seem obvious, but living by it may be more challenging. We need to make a commitment to stay in touch with those most important to us. We need to be truly present and do so with intention. Only then can we successfully sustain our meaningful human connections, but it is definitely worth the effort, especially when strong, supportive relationships may contribute to physical health.2 For example, people in stable, happy relationships have been associated with lower risk of certain health concerns, including hypertension, heart disease, and depression. This may be due to the fact that emotional support from strong relationships can buffer against stress and promote behaviors such as regular exercise and dietary regimens that are beneficial to physical health.3
The relationships each individual fosters will be personal and unique, but in contemporary societies, it’s up to the grown-ups to model relational behaviors. It’s not uncommon to see an entire family on their respective cellphones and tablets rather than interacting with each other—not just the youngsters, but their parents as well. In contrast, the empowered living lifestyle embraces interaction with nature—fresh air, grass, earth, lakes, beach—and human contact.
Technology is amazing and inspiring, but we need to remember our roots. Ultimately, the synergy between physical health and relationship satisfaction may support overall well-being, fostering a happier, healthier life.4 Let’s embrace our humanity and spread it to every corner of the world.
