Is it just me or has it become even more difficult to get a reply from people? Emails go unreplied and get lost in the abyss of the inbox. I’m not talking about newsletters that get unopened or promos that are ignored. I am talking about people not responding to direct one-on-one dialogue in a timely manner. There seems to be a loss of etiquette and common courtesy. Have we lost it with the advent of technology and people becoming more robotic and transactional?
I felt the need to bring this topic up for discussion as I have been seeing more and more cases of people coming into the clinic with anxiety, attention deficit, loneliness, emotional stress, social phobia, and depression. These issues can also manifest in the physical body as tension/pain/stiffness and needs to be addressed.
The Post-Covid Disconnect
There has been a really big shift in communication and the results are showing up more clearly almost five years post-pandemic. Subsequent to being isolated for quite a long stretch of time, it has become normal for phone calls to go straight to voicemail, messages to be left on read, and people not wanting to go back to work in the office. Many of us are experiencing a troubling trend of disconnection, particularly following the social distancing and disruption of ‘normal’ life due to Covid-19.
Let’s explore the potential causes of this disconnect, its impact on mental and physical wellbeing, and most importantly, how we can bridge the communication gap and rebuild a sense of connection.
The Disappearing Reply: A Symptom of a Larger Issue
Imagine reaching out to a friend for support, sending a professional work email, or following up on a business inquiry – only to be met with radio silence. We're talking about a broader societal shift where basic etiquette and common courtesy seem to be fading. A growing number of people report difficulty reaching others or being dismissed completely, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even depression.
Is Technology to Blame? The Dehumanization of Communication
The rise of technology undoubtedly plays a role in non-responsiveness. With instant messaging, social media notifications, and the constant bombardment of digital alerts, our attention spans are shrinking. Easy access to communication has ironically made meaningful connection more challenging. Interactions can become transactional and impersonal, fostering a sense of disconnection and a decline in empathy.
When Silence Impacts Your Health: A Well-Being Crisis
The results of this communication breakdown extend far beyond mere annoyance and frustration. Feeling unheard and unseen can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health:
Increased Anxiety: Unanswered messages can fuel anxiety as we worry about the reason for the silence. Did we say something wrong? Are they angry? Is this not important enough to warrant a response?
Attention Deficit: The constant pinging of notifications and the expectation of immediate responses can make it difficult to focus and easily distracts from the task at hand.
Loneliness and Emotional Stress: Feeling disconnected from others can lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which can take a toll on our emotional wellbeing.
Physical Manifestations: Chronic stress and anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Social Phobia: For people already struggling with social anxiety, the fear of rejection or non responses can make communication feel even more daunting.
The Power of Presence: Building Real Connections
Let's advocate for a shift in better communication. Here's how we can foster genuine connection:
Practice empathy: Consider the potential impact of your communication choices. Think about how an unanswered correspondence might affect the other person. Make a conscious effort to reply promptly and professionally. Let's collectively prioritize clear communication and revive a sense of courtesy in the digital age.
Embrace mindful communication: Put away distractions when engaging in conversations, whether in person, over email, or via text. Actively listen and respond thoughtfully.
Prioritize Face-to-Face Interaction: When possible, schedule in-person meetings or video calls. Nonverbal cues and a more personal touch can enhance communication and understanding.
Digital Detox: Technology has its place, but it shouldn't consume our lives. Schedule dedicated times to disconnect and be present in the moment. Practice patience and drop the expectation of immediate replies. Give people reasonable time to respond, especially if the message isn't urgent.
Build Community: Seek out opportunities to connect with others who share your interests. Join a sport/social/networking club, volunteer, or simply strike up conversations with people you encounter in your daily life. It’s easy to share a smile and you’ll likely receive one back in most interactions. 🙂
Many people are experiencing the challenges of non-responsiveness in communication, feeling distracted and ultimately dismissed. Yet, the human need for connection is hardwired into our systems. Even in a world progressing quickly with AI technology, there is no substitute for REAL human connection and acknowledgment of one another, either IRL or online. It’s time to boost a sense of kindness back into the collective and it starts with each one of us!