The following story was written by a Watts Community Youth Journalist as a part of the EveryDay Heroes Leadership Camp project that focused on community media.

In an age marked by rapid technological advancement and constant connectivity, the value of genuine human interaction seems to be diminishing.

As the digital world begins to overshadow the nuanced experiences that face-to-face communication offers I find myself increasingly concerned.

One evening, I attended a local community event aimed at fostering relationships among neighbors. The gathering was filled with laughter, shared stories, and the aroma of homemade dishes.

Walking through the crowd, I noticed something remarkable: people were engaged with one another. 

Conversations flowed and people were engaging and laughing.

 It was a stark contrast to what I usually saw online, where interactions can feel hollow and superficial.

During the event, I spoke with a local woman named Sarah, who shared with me her experiences of moving to the area. 

As she spoke, I could actually see the passion in her eyes, the way her hands animatedly illustrated her stories. Each anecdote revealed a piece of her life, her struggles, and her triumphs. 

It struck me how much depth and emotion were conveyed in her words, something that simply cannot be replicated through a screen. 

I realized how important these in-person connections are for our mental and emotional well-being. 

In a world where we often communicate through text messages and social media posts, we risk losing the ability to understand one another fully. The subtleties of tone, body language, and facial expressions are integral to how we relate to each other, yet they are often lost in digital communication.

According to a 2022 study published by the National Library of Medicine 95% of United States teenagers (13-17) have full access to cell phones. 90% of those teens say their cell phones are one of their primary ways to “pass the time.” 

Furthermore, I believe that these personal interactions foster a sense of community and belonging. When we step away from our screens and engage with those around us, we begin to build relationships based on trust and mutual understanding. 

This is crucial, especially in times of division and conflict, where empathy and connection can serve as powerful tools for healing.

Roger Farmer, a research director for the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, London said, “ “Like all technologies, social media advances have the power to create great good but also great evil…In the U.S. the technology is controlled not by the government, but by a small number of private individuals. Concentration of the ability to shape culture is a powerful tool that can shape the social fabric.”

As I left the event that night, I felt a renewed appreciation for the simple act of conversation. 

It reminded me that while technology has its benefits, it should never replace the richness of real-life interactions. Embracing our humanity means valuing the moments we share in person, recognizing that they are essential to our well-being and the fabric of our communities.

So, while we navigate the complexities of our digital age, let us not forget the importance of face-to-face communication. Every conversation has the potential to deepen our understanding of one another and strengthen our connections. 

So let’s remind ourselves from time to time, let’s put the phones down, and talk to one another.