2319: Dysfunction of Socials

Hey Friends,

Lately, I've found myself in a peculiar phase, one where my phone becomes the center of my universe whenever I take any sort of break. Whether it's X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, or even Facebook, my fingers just start doom-scrolling as if I'm looking for millions of mentions of my name. It’s a habit that I’ve started to question deeply.

Despite the joy I find in the uplifting posts from "We the Urban" on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the rest of my week often feels like I'm scrolling just to feel something—anything. Yet, that elusive feeling never quite arrives. The only time I seem to snap out of this trance is when there’s a birthday for a friend or family member. That's when I get a rush to post a celebratory photo, only to later find myself repeatedly checking who has viewed it. I’m starting to realize that I’m not really after the view count; rather, it’s the routine of it all that oddly satisfies me.

This habit is not unique to me; I see it everywhere. In public places, most of us might as well be glued to our smartphones, often not even actively using them, but just holding them as a comfort shield. It seems that the very devices meant to connect us with the world are the ones isolating us from the immediate, vibrant life around us.

Just yesterday, I noticed something while watching people converse in a grocery store: my first reaction was confusion. Why talk in person when you could just call or text? It struck me how much my own social norms have shifted. Phones are convenient, yes, but at what cost? They offer immense benefits, yet, they've also stripped away the spontaneity of human interactions.

Through this newsletter, which in itself is a sort of digital communication, I want to share these reflections not just as observations, but as a call to action for myself and perhaps for you too. Let’s be more present. Whether that means engaging in a real conversation with a stranger or simply observing the world pass by without the urge to document it, let’s embrace those moments.

This isn’t about abandoning social media or our smartphones altogether, but rather about finding a balance where these tools enhance our lives without dominating them. I hope this message resonates with you as much as it has with me, urging us to look up from our screens and see the world—and the people in it—with fresh eyes.

Here’s to making/solidifying more meaningful connections, both online and off.

Peace,

Zechariah Davis

Song of the week:

• "Slowly"
  • Artist: ODIE

Quote of the week:

• “Technology is cool, but you’ve got to use it as opposed to letting it use you.”
  • Prince

Scripture of the Week:

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