The tale of three screens
As I mentioned here a few weeks ago, I recently traveled to New Orleans, L.A., to present a research paper on emerging communication challenges. I focused on three primary areas in my conceptual framework; emotional intelligence, wellness and communication habits.
When I began this study back in 2018, some of my initial observations were:
The classroom was less noisy
Mental fragility was becoming increasingly common on campus and in my various social groups
A large percentage of my conversations with others began to lack depth and presence
Couples or groups at a restaurant were increasingly focused on their cell phones, rather than in-person conversation at the dinner table (blasphemy)
^Keep in mind this was all pre-pandemic^
Going back a bit further, in late 2017, we had officially become a “three-screen” society, according to various media research. This meant we were no longer sitting down to solely watch TV. Ratings research revealed the television was now considered the “third screen,” because we would elect to turn on the TV but instead distractedly view a scheduled TV program while simultaneously using our laptops (or tablets) and cellular devices.
Scheduled TV was moving too slowly for us. In no time, “streaming” would shake up traditional cable TV viewership. We were now operating with the world in the palm of our hands, around the clock, because of access to high-tech applications on our mobile devices. (I will always say, if it’s fast and easy, there will be a price to pay).
The three-screen society was also present in academia in 2018. At that time, the notebook/chalkboard/dry-erase systems slowly went into the archives and students casually replaced their notebooks with laptops, while remaining connected to their mobile devices. Also, it became more common for the educator to lecture with an overhead monitor or screen. Today, mostly all students have access to a professor’s lecture notes. They are readily available on an educational application system like Moodle. Because of this, it’s rare when I actually see a student taking notes. Notes are a thing of the past. Can you imagine what this means for retention? (blasphemy).
Technology is wonderful for so many reasons, but it’s time to pay the piper. We are now less comfortable with human interactions and more comfortable relating to our screens.
I say all of this, because we often believe it was only the COVID-19 pandemic that caused an Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, when in fact, our unhealthy relationships with technology were and are deteriorating our effective communication skills that lead to authentic community (our lead reason for survival). This was happening long before the pandemic.
Although it’s not necessarily our fault, this problem impacts all of us. No generation or professional industry gets a pass, either. Scientifically speaking, we can’t create in-person community at work, home, or in society if we don’t improve our in-person effective communication habits, Mindfully Speaking.
As a former journalist, I will always be in the business of people, trust and communication. I want to share my research, and mindful communication practices with you and your teams.
I look forward to listening to your stories and communication challenges, and empathetically working with you to implement innovative solutions!
Let’s get started! Schedule a complimentary consultation today.
Also, are you searching for a keynote speaker or moderator for your next event? Reach out!
I look forward to our good work together. Sending gratitude & presence to you and your colleagues.
I hope you and your families enjoyed a peaceful weekend.
Mindfully Speaking,
Anna Michele Bulszewicz
Founder, Anna Michele Communications