Scroll less, talk more?
It feels like we’re in the age of our attention being online arguably more than in reality.
I average around two and a half hours a day on my phone. That’s around 17.5 hours a week. If I think about it, that may be as much time as I spend interacting with close friends or family, maybe even more…
It feels like it’s all becoming even more addictive too. Those pesky algorithms have me where they want me: moving swiftly through slightly amusing or provocative yet ultimately forgettable clips.
TV shows and movies are being edited based on the knowledge that many of us will simultaneously be on our phones while ‘watching’. If you scan the crowd attending a live sporting event, you’ll see people checking scores and viewing clips from other matches happening elsewhere. Phones have become as common as cutlery on café tables.
Photo by Trung Nhan Tran on Unsplash
I’ve been as bad as the next person for scrolling, swiping and checking notifications while in the company of others. The bottom line is, we’re never fully present when there’s a screen.
Personally, I’m trying to deliberately have my phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’, and even *whispers* leave it at home altogether every now and again.
Anecdotally, I’ve heard others talk about actively trying to avoid or reduce screen-time. A mate recently told me that he’s started gathering everyone’s phone when having a night with his pals.
Now, of course being connected online is brilliant for maintaining relationships. I wouldn’t dispute that, especially in the context of friends in different cities or countries.
But it doesn’t sustain them. Not in the same way that sitting across from someone, being truly present, can.
Which is where a conversations event comes in.
An offline space to connect, with one rule: phones go away. Out of sight, out of mind. An interactive analogue experience.
Not exactly revolutionary, but here’s the unique part: you have to show up with someone you know. A friend, family member, or partner.
You spend the entire time with them, and together you’re guided through a few different conversation activities.
It’s not about deep or difficult conversations. It’s lighthearted and light-touch. You simply learn, appreciate, and reminisce on some shared memories.
Attend together, leave feeling closer.
So if you’ve been wanting a little less screen-time, and a little more quality time, this might be the ideal place to start.
Next events - https://events.humanitix.com/host/that-conversations-movement
Website - https://www.conversationsmovement.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/conversationsmovement/