With all the technological advances we have seen over the years, I see a disturbing trend. Slowly, technology seems to be replacing people’s jobs.
I am one of those people who enjoys interacting with others: a friendly exchange with the check-out girl at the store, a light-hearted exchange with my bank teller, a joke shared with a toll-taker.
There is something endearing about fun exchanges with strangers. It’s the human factor, which we all need.
Remember four short years ago during COVID, when isolation was thrust upon us? Because we had no choice, we despised and resented it. People tried to stay as far away from others whenever possible.
There were no light-hearted conversations, no chance encounters or friendly exchanges with others. Isolation became the enemy. We swore we’d never go back.
Why then are we choosing once again to avoid the human touch? I admit there is a huge convenience factor.
If given the option of driving to my local bank branch to deposit a check or doing it via mobile deposit, I will choose convenience nine times out of 10! But should I?
Those brief but spontaneous encounters make daily life fun and more interesting.
The same thing is true at the grocery store. I will usually use the self-checkout lanes to pay. Occasionally I will go through regular checkout lanes and when I do, it is always enjoyable.
And interestingly enough, when I do use the self-checkout, there is always one item that requires human interaction by a good-natured store employee, whose sole responsibility is to help out.
I actually don’t mind because we usually share a joke or a good-hearted commiseration: “Technology strikes again!”
So the line that was supposed to take less time, actually took longer than the others. Irony? You bet!
While driving these days, toll booths have become ghost towns. No humanity whatsoever; no one to give you directions or tell you what restaurants are the best in the area, or just to offer a friendly greeting.
With our phones, GPS has taken the place of direction-giving, and Alexa and/or Siri have replaced the references for good restaurants or local interest sites. More convenient? Absolutely. But better? I’m not so sure.
In this age of tech advantages, just remember to connect with others any chance you get. You need that human touch, the interaction with others, as much as others need it from you.
