Information Age and Endangered Kindness

If interacting with people is part of your job description, then you may know how awkward you feel when you greet someone and don't know that they have earbuds in until they walk past you.



Is it just me or is our generation incredibly disengaged? I mean don't get me wrong, talking to complete strangers has been an unspoken no-no since we were kids, but with all the technology perpetually glued to our bodies, its easy to forget common courtesy. Another thing is no one knows how unpleasant they look when walking by. Not sure how other regions are but here in the south, its considered good manners to at least smile when (despite your best efforts) you accidentally make eye contact with another person.
 
   
Despite the advent of the Age of Information and how "tuned in" we think we are to the world (our world mostly), the multitasking/social networking is what has made interacting so awkward and unnecessary. Anything that requires feedback outside of commenting, "liking" or "tweeting" is too much of a hassle.

 

Granted this particular blog is ironic and more serious than the others, I make it a daily ambition to be as pleasant and selfless as possible both during and outside of work. Sure it requires cognitively engaging others outside our comfort zone, but it makes a positive impact.



This includes looking up from my phone, pausing my ipod from time to time, smiling, saying hello, holding open doors and generally offering the same courtesy that I'd appreciate, even if it isn't returned.

Here's why...

   

Because everyone else is fighting their own battle.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12

Reach out to someone today. You never know what they may be going through.