Alas! Simple conversation has become a lost art! Do you remember the good ‘ol times? Yes! Those times when people would gather around a steamy cup of coffee to TALK and SHARE while actually LOOKING at each other.

It was nothing like these modern times when “acquaintances” meet and “spend time together” flickering and staring at small glowing screen while ignoring the person across the small table that might as well be an ocean because the emotional distance is about the same.

The vast majority of us carry those tiny devices with more computing power than the mission to the moon had and are supposed to become better individuals because we have all our information needs covered at our thumb-tips (is not finger tips! Come on, be honest and admit it, you only use your thumbs to operate your little magic box).

However, we took a wrong turn somewhere, because despite the sentimental mumbo jumbo about how technology is bringing us closer conveniently inserted into the slogan of every phone company we are really getting more isolated.

More than ever, we consume disposable content at a flabbergasting rate. Please note, is not information, because watching videos of cute cats can not be considered useful information. Don’t believe me, try this: Without looking at your phone, tell me what valuable information did you get out of the last 10 tweets you read.

Assuming you can actually remember the last 10 tweets you read (and that was probably just 5 minutes ago) you will be able to cite probably 1 maybe 2. The rest was content that your brain decided to discard because it had no practical value.

I am going on a limb here, but I would bet that the same ratio will apply for all the content you consume on the other popular social networks.

If I am partially correct, that means that let’s say 70% of the time you spend consuming all that useless content is a monumental waste of time. That time, could be invested in a meaningful conversation with your family, friends, significant other or a total stranger and that will really make you a more connected, informed and fulfilled person.

So, put down the phone, lift up your face and look at the person across the table and start talking! Let’s bring back the good old times when conversation was our preferred past time!

-Stein