Hello Isabelle, that was really well-written! Here's how I look at it. In the past when I had a lot of online relationships, I ended up scattering my attention far too widely, rather than investing time in those who were most important to me. I found that if I didn't find to talk to people properly, they weren't really friends. There's nothing wrong per se with having lots of nice acquaintances, but there is an opportunity cost to everything, and time spent superficially with too many people is time not spent on those who really matter. I had a lesson in this once from a really nice woman that I was friendly with. We met through a business networking organisation, and used to meet up every now and then. The last time I saw her, she told me candidly that she was cutting back on the number of people that she saw socially, so she could concentrate on those who were most important, and that therefore she wouldn't be able to meet up again. I so respected her honesty, and totally agreed with her that she was doing the right thing. We parted with great affection, and with complete understanding. I often think of her and how she handled the situation in such an adult way - and with such insight into what was the sensible thing to do. By some chance, if she is reading this now, I hope you are well!
I really like this perspective Anna, thank you for sharing. This is definitely a big consideration for me into the new year, especially as I toe the dumb-phone line again, lol.
Oct 20, 2023·edited Oct 20, 2023Liked by Isabelle Drury
thank you for writing this!!! i too have made the dumb phone switch before but have given it up, especially since moving from a walkable city full of my best friends from college to my hometown in the suburbs. my phone and social media are my biggest connections to these people and behind the wheel of a car, i would be much more of a danger to society without google maps. but im struggling with not only the attention but the advertising! social media and internet are yet another portal through which corporations can grab at us whether we want it or not :(
i totally agree with you — im grateful for the internet and the way its connected me to old friends and new opportunities, but the ideal, healthiest world is one in which we can connect and build community face to face
Argh the car dependent suburbs!!! I’m with you on the ads, I feel I buy and want to buy so MUCH less stuff not being on these apps. Hoping you can find the balance, I’m still working on it, but I think being CONSCIOUS about our consumption is great step forward. Thank you for reading ❤️
Hello Isabelle, that was really well-written! Here's how I look at it. In the past when I had a lot of online relationships, I ended up scattering my attention far too widely, rather than investing time in those who were most important to me. I found that if I didn't find to talk to people properly, they weren't really friends. There's nothing wrong per se with having lots of nice acquaintances, but there is an opportunity cost to everything, and time spent superficially with too many people is time not spent on those who really matter. I had a lesson in this once from a really nice woman that I was friendly with. We met through a business networking organisation, and used to meet up every now and then. The last time I saw her, she told me candidly that she was cutting back on the number of people that she saw socially, so she could concentrate on those who were most important, and that therefore she wouldn't be able to meet up again. I so respected her honesty, and totally agreed with her that she was doing the right thing. We parted with great affection, and with complete understanding. I often think of her and how she handled the situation in such an adult way - and with such insight into what was the sensible thing to do. By some chance, if she is reading this now, I hope you are well!
I really like this perspective Anna, thank you for sharing. This is definitely a big consideration for me into the new year, especially as I toe the dumb-phone line again, lol.
thank you for writing this!!! i too have made the dumb phone switch before but have given it up, especially since moving from a walkable city full of my best friends from college to my hometown in the suburbs. my phone and social media are my biggest connections to these people and behind the wheel of a car, i would be much more of a danger to society without google maps. but im struggling with not only the attention but the advertising! social media and internet are yet another portal through which corporations can grab at us whether we want it or not :(
i totally agree with you — im grateful for the internet and the way its connected me to old friends and new opportunities, but the ideal, healthiest world is one in which we can connect and build community face to face
Argh the car dependent suburbs!!! I’m with you on the ads, I feel I buy and want to buy so MUCH less stuff not being on these apps. Hoping you can find the balance, I’m still working on it, but I think being CONSCIOUS about our consumption is great step forward. Thank you for reading ❤️