The Social Experience

In a world where the Internet has taken over our every day lives and interactions, the personal touch has taken a back seat to  Social Media, Electronic Mail, text messaging and Drop Boxing.  It is not uncommon for the average communicae to be “Facebook me…Send me an email…I’ll text you”, while actually talking to the person right then and there.  All great forms of connecting, sharing information and keeping in touch but we have seem to by pass the here and now in talking to someone Live and in person.  We do live in a fast paced instantaneous world where million dollar transactions are done in milliseconds. Reuters, the Associated Press, Yahoo, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, all can share information and news in seconds after it happens and in some cases as its happening.

Interpersonal and social interactions are not a priority when conducting business or making a connections.  The art of sitting in front of someone to conduct a interview has given way to online applications, conference call or recorded interviews. In some cases you won’t see your employer or until after you actually done your on boarding and acceptance letter.  Your online profile has become who you are.  Employers have said that your Facebook page is sometimes used to see who you really are.  A background check will give employers more information on you than they really need.  Most companies still do the the traditional face to face interview of a candidate.  But that can be a challenge in itself say Rhonda Miller, GM of Charleotte Rouse.  She says most of the candidates that she interview are not socially equipped to interview in person.  Some do not know the proper etiquette for dress or how to respond to a LIVE person when asked job related question.

What Happened?

Having everything you can possibly want at your finger tips and a click away, has lessoned our need to interact with a human being.  GenerationY & Milenials were raised in an environment when everything is easily access, without any personal connection.  True.. information and internet content are driven by the people that upload data, but how its conveyed and interpreted touches on 1 of the 5 senses and leave the rest to the 6th sense, cognitive relevance and imagination. “…As human beings, our only real method of connection is through authentic communication. Studies show that only 7% of communication is based on the written or verbal word. A whopping 93% is based on nonverbal body language. Indeed, it’s only when we can hear a tone of voice or look into someone’s eyes that we’re able to know when “I’m fine” doesn’t mean they’re fine at all…or when “I’m in” doesn’t mean they’re bought in at all.” Forbes Magazine.