Something I have been noticing a lot lately is how many people remain social by being anti-social. Meaning the increased use of technology to hide behind a screen to talk to others. This is no secret either, this is becoming more and more evident to everyone. In addition, I suppose people are increasingly okay with it because this trend just keeps rising, ranging from people of literally all ages.

I really don't know why that is, though, that happened to good old fashioned face to face contact; seeing people in the flesh, seeing real smiles, real laughs, real tears, real frowns, real emotions. Why would anyone want to water down a real experience one could have with another?

Our time on this planet is already limited as it is. On average we spend about half of our lives sleeping (hopefully next to someone we love), and an approximate additional 1/4th of that eating, commuting, and working (hopefully doing something we enjoy). That leaves us with just about 1/4th of our life left. That's the time we have for talking, laughing, hiking, playing hide and go seek, having adventures, traveling. So why would a person want to use up so much of that time to stay behind a screen?

Granted, I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to this, though. The sad truth is that it is doubtful we'll see this trend dissipate. In fact, we will more than likely see this situation get worse over time as technology advances and more ways are made available to make it easier to remain social.

Putting that sad realization aside, it is possible to change things up just a tad in our lives right now. Try catching up with a friend in person, go get a cup of coffee with them. Go on a hike, take a walk through a park, read a good book and share it, take the time to stop and smell the roses, enjoy life. Stop going through life just existing. Start living and put down the phone.