4 Simple Strategies To Prioritise Face To Face Interactions
A recent study by Ryan Dwyer demonstrated the adverse effects of using our phones whilst eating dinner. The study titled “Smartphone use undermines enjoyment of face-to-face social interactions” — had two experiments. In the first experiment, the participants placed a phone either on the table at mealtime or in a box.
“To disguise the study’s intent, the researchers told half the group that they’d receive a study-related question by text at some point during the meal, so they should keep their devices on the table. The other half thought they’d answer the question on paper during the meal and were told to put their phones away as part of a longer list of study directions. Afterwards, both groups answered questions about their enjoyment, phone use and overall dining experience.”
In the second experiment, more than 100 university students were texted five times a day with survey questions. With each text, people were asked about their emotional state and their last activity.
The research revealed two main conclusions:
- Using your phone during face-to-face interactions resulted in unsatisfying interactions.
2. Having your phone on the table at dinner reduced the enjoyment of the meal and increased feeling of distraction
A 2016 study in the Frontiers of Human Neuroscience investigated the relationship between face-to-face interactions, mood and performance in the workplace. They tested two groups of employees before and after work breaks and measured changes in the cerebral blood volume. One group did not have face-to-face interactions in their break, and one group did. Face-to-face interactions strongly correlate with improvement in mood and changes in prefrontal cortex activity (an area of the brain affected by depression).
What strategies can we implement to increase the quality of our interactions?
- TEA RITUAL
Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s book “Feel better in 5” he highlights the importance of daily rituals to improve connection. He suggests to block out 5 minutes to sit with your loved one and enjoy a herbal tea daily. Research shows that loneliness can increase your risk of death by 30% and is harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
2. DEVICE AMNESTY
Just like in the study, have a box to put your devices in to engage and be present during mealtimes fully. Remember, even having your device on the table is enough to reduce the quality of the interaction.
3. TURN OFF NOTIFICATIONS
This has been a game-changer for me. Switching off notifications puts you in the driving seat as to when you will check your phone.
4. TECH EATING WINDOW
We intermittent fast — we can do the same with our phones. Define periods of phone usage and naturally, outside of those moments prioritise quality face-to-face interactions.
Originally published at https://www.drsatguru.com on July 22, 2020.
