Powering Down to Reconnect

Because I teach a class about communication technology and also research it for a living, I have an excuse to be connected. But my research also makes me aware of how important it is to step away from my smartphone and reconnect with those around me. In fact, there’s a lot of research on the topics of “absent presence” and “perpetual contact” that tells us being too connected can actually have a negative effect on our interpersonal relationships.

I was recently reminded of this while on a date night at a new Indian restaurant with my fiancé Joe. We were sitting at the table, already raving to each other about the service (they gave us pakoras on a platter the second we walked in), and Joe pulled out his phone to tag us and make a comment on social media. The server approached right as he was doing so and teased Joe for being on his phone instead of talking to me. As Joe sheepishly put his phone away, I was glad that I had not scratched my initial itch to reach for my own phone when he did.

We survived the meal phone free, and both declared it one of the best dinners out together we have ever had.

I’ve started to remind myself that I can share my memories of the atmosphere, food, and company of my fiancé with others at a later time. I don’t need an immediate announcement to Facebook or a picture on Instagram to document my good time.

Being well connected is important for your business, but, on a personal level, don’t forget to power down for some real connection time.

Natalie Pennington is a doctoral candidate at the University of Kansas, where she will graduate with a PhD in Communication Studies in May. She studies computer-mediated and interpersonal communication, with a particular interest in social media use. You can read more about her research on her website nataliepennington.com and hear more about her thoughts on technology on Twitter and Instagram: @natpenn.