How can we connect across screens?
This article is letter (H) of our “Human Connect” series where we write an article for each letter of the phrase. “Human Connect” explores how relationships will change in the digital age. Find links to more articles in the series below.
Just on a personal level, many of us can agree our happiest moments fall along the lines of making it through tough times with friends, celebrating with family, and meeting new, awesome people. Here at Swomi, we believe human connection is fundamental to everything.
The Big Deal About Connection
While we know it feels good, just what is the value behind human connection? For one, research repeatedly proves physical health improves with a strong social system. The benefits range from giving a 50% increased chance of longevity to recovering from illness faster from a strengthened immune system. When it comes to our psychological health, there are lower rates of anxiety and depression. Combine this with a higher self-esteem, a more trusting and cooperative demeanor, and you get a positive physical, social, emotional feedback loop of well-being.
The Social Connection Cannot Be Replaced
Time after time, headlines seem to repeat the same theme - being online makes us sadder while connecting with other human beings is the secret to a fulfilling life. How can people maintain meaningful connection with one another given the negative reputation of online socializing? How can the digital world co-exist with people’s natural inclination to be around other people?
AI And Human Connection
Technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence, cannot replace a quality face-to-face interactive exchange between two people. Rather the best use of technology is to enhance, not replace, human connection. For example, Marc Rey describes his personal experience of using technology in the beauty industry:
"We recently acquired MatchCo, a Palo Alto, Calif. startup that developed a mobile app enabling consumers to scan their skin tone to identify and create a personalized foundation, and then order the customized blend. Rather than diminish the unique qualities inherent in every person, like technology sometimes does, in this case, AI actually intensifies the emotional relationship with the customer."
In this example, AI does what it does best, task-based services. Leaving people to do what they enjoy doing best, connecting with others!
Word Up:
Building a genuine emotional connection is at the heart of serving others. We created Swomi to provide the technology that will create a digital world that will foster meaningful relationships. As we have seen, human connections are fundamental to our lives. And we are spending more time online, so it’s ever more important to make sure we can connect digitally.
sources: goodtherapy psychologytoday fortune smallbiztechnology hayleyhobson
This article is part of our “Human Connect” series where we write an article for each letter of the phrase. “Human Connect” explores how relationships will change in the digital age.
Click below to read more articles in the “Human Connect” series:
(H)uman Connection In The Digital World
(U) + Others: Connect With Anyone Online Or Offline
(M) Why Your (M)essage Matters More Than You Think
(A) Can’t We All Get Along? Our Relationship With (A)I
(N) How To Grow (N)ew Connections Into Lifelong Friendships
(C) Here's What No One Tells You About Online (C)ulture
(O)nline/Offline Human Connection Now And For The Future
(N) The Hidden Power (N)ew Stuff Has On Your Brain
(N)ew Ways To Communicate Online
(E) Understanding The Background And Future Of (e)Stuff
(C) The Surprising Secret About Being A (C)ontent Creator
(T) What Matters When You Are Learning To Trust People Online?
