The Isolation of Online Life
In a time of “social distancing,” many people are learning to live and connect online. At times, this shifts generational power. For example, before the pandemic, my parents often complained about how much time my sister, other “kids” and I were spending on our “devices.” Now, my mom is forced to constantly ask us for help:
Mom: “I want to talk to my friends, how do I get Google hangouts?”
Me: “You have to get the App.”
[A few minutes pass as we try to navigate to the App Store]
Mom: “Which one do I download?”
Me: “The one the says ‘Google Hangouts'”
[Mom proceeds to download the Facebook App]
A paraphrasing of true events. Sorry Mom.
While I found this amusing, I notice that older people who often complained to me about “those darn kids on their devices all day” are now suffering due to their lack of technological connectivity. While some have younger relatives that help them set up Zoom, FaceTime, or other platforms to maintain closer connections with family and friends, other elderly people within my church are really struggling right now with the lack of “normal” connection.
And while young people may be more adept at socializing online, I think that we are still profoundly and negatively impacted by social distancing. I find living my life on Zoom, and FaceTime, and Hangouts, and Facebook, and Google Drive, and Instagram, and just writing on my computer incredibly exhausting. Having access to these technologies is a huge privilege, but living life virtually just feels wrong.
The Beauty of Local Facebook Groups
I am going to share a few posts from my local Facebook group. For this format and moment, I am excluding names.
Alright, that’s all for tonight! Again feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments! Or email woodc2@carleton.edu.
