How to socially thrive in a digital world
Life’s more digital than ever before. We message, video call, scroll, stream, shop and more.
But connecting online doesn’t always fill the gap left by a meaningful face-to-face catch-up.
If you want to stay genuinely connected with people in your life, it’s important to strike the right balance between digital and in-person meet-ups.
Here, we’ll explore how you can stay socially connected in the digital age.
Strengthen relationships using online tools
Technology is brilliant when you can’t meet in person. A quick call with mates or a group chat with family can help you feel connected when your diary’s full or people live further afield.
Apps like Zoom or WhatsApp make it easy to chat with your loved ones from anywhere, as long as you have internet.
This can give you the sense of connecting “face-to-face” no matter how far apart you are.
Group calls are useful too, whether you want to host a virtual quiz night, an hour for a coffee and chat or simply catch up with multiple people at once.
Prioritise in-person connections
The NHS says that “good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing”.
That’s why it’s worth carving out time for proper offline get-togethers each week.
Try to create a routine that allows regular time for you to be with family and friends, whether that’s a drink after work or a weekend walk. You could even plan a fun night in to play games like bingo.
Another great option is joining activities in your community. For example, you could take part in a sport, join a local crafting club or sign up for a class.
Use tech with purpose, not on autopilot
It can be easy to slip into doom-scrolling. Instead, use your devices with purpose.
Ask yourself why you’re on your device. If there’s no particular reason, try redirecting your attention to something more purposeful.
This may involve setting screen time limits on your phone. It can even help to plan a short digital detox if you’re finding that your devices are negatively impacting you.
WebMD says making the effort to use devices less can help you “calm down and feel content”, “be more productive”, “get healthier”, “sleep better”, and “feel better about yourself”.
To thrive socially, you don’t need to ditch technology altogether; you need to use it wisely.
After all, connecting with others digitally can be hugely beneficial if you lead a busy lifestyle. The key is to try to strike the right balance between online and offline socialising.
That way, you get the best of both worlds, creating meaningful relationships that add real value to your life.
