The recent WBUR interview with Vivek Murthy (former Surgeon General) centers on a growing crisis of loneliness and disconnection in modern life, especially as technology, social media, and polarized culture increasingly replace or weaken real human relationships.  Murthy argues that “staying human” requires intentionally protecting empathy, presence, service, and community. He warns that without effort, people may drift into lives mediated more by machines than by meaningful relationships.   You can read the original article here:  WBUR interview with Vivek Murthy . Or continue reading for my take-aways from the interview. Core summary Murthy says loneliness is not just an emotional problem. It is a public health issue linked to anxiety, depression, heart disease, dementia, and shorter lifespan.  He emphasizes that people today often mistake digital interaction for genuine connection, but “likes” and online attention provide only temporary gratification. Real ...

  In recent years, more and more Americans are choosing a lifestyle of "intentional isolation." This means that instead of spending time with others, people are purposely deciding to be alone.  While technology and social media have made it easier to stay connected, many people are increasingly isolating themselves from real-world interactions. This trend has raised concerns about the mental and emotional well-being of individuals and society as a whole.  Understanding why this is happening and how we can break the cycle is important for building stronger, healthier communities. Why Are People Choosing Isolation? One reason for intentional isolation is the growing use of technology. With smartphones and computers, people can easily stay connected to friends and family through messages, social media, and video calls. While this keeps us "connected" in some ways, it often lacks the depth and warmth of face-to-face conversations.  Many people find themselves spending m...

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are choosing to live in ways that separate them from others. Ann Meyer, co-creator of the website “The Neighboring Life,” calls this trend “intentional isolation.” Meyer believes that many Americans are deliberately cutting themselves off from their communities. While this might seem like a choice made for convenience, it often leads to loneliness and a lack of true connection with others. The rise of modern technologies has made it easier than ever for people to isolate themselves. For example, online shopping allows people to buy what they need without ever having to leave their homes or interact with others. Social media platforms, while seemingly a way to connect, often offer shallow interactions that don’t provide the same depth as face-to-face conversations. (Plus, some fake connections too!)  Similarly, remote work meetings, although practical, reduce the opportunities for casual interactions that can happen in an office setting....

  A recent commercial for a pizza chain reprises a classic TV scene where a man walks into an establishment. In the classic version, he is recognized, and everyone calls out "Norm."   In the contemporary version, no one knows his name because he hasn't created an online profile tracked on his phone. In the old neighborhood bar, "everybody knows your name." Now belonging is increasingly mediated through a screen. Eric O. Jacobsen did not anticipate the commercial, which underscores the theme of belonging represented by Norm that runs through his book: "Three Pieces of Glass." Jacobsen contends that the windshield of the automobile, screen of the television, and screen of our smartphones, tablets, and computers, have fundamentally influenced our experience of belonging in society. Jacobsen begins his discussion by exploring the nature of belonging as levels from intimate and personal to social and public and how intimate and personal are not enou...