Digital communication divides and brings together

Popology Lessons by Kris Fisher We can’t fight it. Screens are all around us - phones, televisions, tablets, computers, you name it. And, whether we like to admit it or not, we’re all a little addicted. I like to compare it to the ‘Wall-E’ version of the future, where people have completely forgone actual person-to-person communication. Personally, I’m constantly trying to cut back on the amount of time my eyes are glued to a screen. However, I’ve discovered that, when you’re feeling lonely, that screen becomes as comfortable as a warm fuzzy blanket during an ice storm.   I found myself in that familiar place recently. Alone and in my head, missing my kids, and feeling lonely. I’ve been living alone for almost a year now as my kids have moved out and are starting their adult lives. Occasionally, I dwell on it and start feeling sorry for myself. It’s not healthy, I know. I’m working on it.  I was deep in these feels recently when, almost as if he could hear my thoughts, my youngest son called me. He asked if I was working that night and then asked if I wanted to play Xbox with him. It seems he misses me too.  I’m not anything close to a gamer, but my son is. He loves it for many reasons. He’s working hard not to put himself in situations where stupid teenage things might mess with his football career. Playing Xbox is a great alternative. He also uses it to connect with his friends, particularly those he left when he moved last year. As it turns out, I’m not the only person he misses.   The thing about Xbox is it is often more than just playing the game. You can play a game with or against someone anywhere in the world and even talk to them while you play. I think a lot of parents already know this. Kids can get quite vocal during intense gaming sessions. I never thought I would miss hearing those strange noises bellowing down the hall, but I do. I miss them a lot.  My son and I chose an adventure-type game, and I had the best time learning the mechanics, exploring, and accomplishing goals, all the while laughing and getting that valuable bonding time that I miss so much.   The very next day, my daughter texted a quick question to me, which quickly turned, as it often does, to us poking fun at each other and eventually communicating using nothing but South Park gifs. Digital bonding one Cartman at a time.   I miss my kids but my relationship with them isn’t gone. It’s simply different - an adjustment that is proving quite a challenge. I find it ironic that the very technology that I’ve fussed at them for spending too much time with is turning out to be the very technology that helps me feel connected in this new chapter of our lives.  Life and distance have made true connection difficult. That is why I feel incredibly lucky to live in this era of technology. Hugs and in-person conversations are few and far between these days and that is tough. But we can still connect as we chase high scores and razz each other with memes. I’ll glue my eyes to a screen for that any day.