One Is Worth A Thousand.
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words; well I say that one real relationship is worth a thousand virtual ones.
We need relationships. Prolonged isolation is harmful to our souls. Whilst online relationships offer the appearance of connection they ultimately lack the substance and quality that real relationships provide.
This is one reason so many people report feeling lonely. We have a thousand online connections but no, or too few, real relationships.
Our children don’t need a thousand virtual friends to like their posts — they need one real friend who truly likes them.
They certainly don’t need an AI friend that’s created to be nearly flawless. Humans need real love and connection from other humans; an algorithm, however good, does not love.
The fact that we say our devices have screens is quite apt since screens are designed to block something and our devices do a great job of blocking human connection.
Of course video calls and messaging can be wonderful ways to stay in touch with people far away, but they are not a true substitute for in-person connection.
Technology should supplement and support connection not supplant it. Unrestricted, unlimited or unmonitored access to devices leads to loneliness because it inhibits real connection with others.
Too often we see groups of children, teens, and perhaps more sadly; families, together all staring at their devices — lost in a world that isn’t real, robbing themselves of meaningful and healing connection with others.
I want my children to have real and robust relationships. I want them to have these relationships with your children — but they won’t if we decide to give them a screen instead.
From my home,
Matthew
Founder, DADS™— Dads Against Devices™
Our pledge.
I will not provide my children with a smartphone or social media access until they become adults. Nor will I allow unlimited, unrestricted or unmonitored access to the internet, streaming services, gaming, or screens in our home. Instead, I will lead my family — by example and instruction — to be present, build relationships, strengthen the body, and nurture the attributes of love, communication, empathy, kindness, gratitude, humility, forgiveness, critical thinking, imagination, discipline, patience, integrity, resilience, courage, wisdom, and faith.