THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING CONNECTED IN REAL LIFE
Psychiatrist Discusses the Emotional Impact of Non-Digital Touchpoints in the Digital Age
There are so many ways to reach out to and stay in touch with friends and family today, yet somehow, it’s common to feel less connected than ever, even with so many friends just a click away.
With headlines about increasing loneliness a common theme, along with the constant bombardment of bad news from social media feeds and the 24-hour news cycle, many people now suffer from “compassion fatigue,” which can cause them to shut down emotionally—leading them to communicate via emojis more often than taking the time to share their true emotions.
A new study by Hallmark shows that in the digital age, people are craving authentic connections, and with texts and social posts being such a common, everyday occurrence, a greeting card stands out as a more meaningful way to communicate. In fact, consumers agree they would prefer a card over a text with the same message. And, while people are more likely to send or receive cards for a specific occasion, receiving a card just because or for an unexpected moment is even more impactful. Surprisingly, the study also found that while millennials grew up during the technological revolution, they were the most likely to find expressing their feelings by putting pen to card as a meaningful way to strengthen a relationship.
During this tour, psychiatrist, Dr. Vania Manipod, will discuss the importance of meaningful connections and the impact non-digital gestures can have on strengthening relationships in a way that social media and electronic interactions cannot match. She will discuss:
How making a gesture that goes ‘above and beyond’ shows how much you care
Why small caring gestures make people feel loved and increase meaningful personal connections
How taking the time to express emotions keeps people connected and helps keep relationships strong
That taking a moment out of our busy daily lives to stop and write to friends and loved ones—can bring a feeling of peace and well-being, not only for the recipient but for the giver, too
How social connectedness has been linked to both improvements in mental AND physical health
INTERVIEW WITH: Vania Manipod is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology & Psychiatry in general psychiatry. Dr. Manipod has an international following surrounding the plight to reduce the stigma of mental illness, particularly through her blog, Freud & Fashion. She speaks nationally on topics such as physician burnout, traumatic brain injury, and osteopathic principles and psychiatry.
SUGGESTED QUESTIONS:
How has technology and the illusion of perfection through curated social media presences given us a false sense of connection and increased loneliness? How has this impacted our relationships and how has it led to a desire for more authenticity?
What advice do you have for our viewers/listeners who are feeling lonely even though they may be connected with so many “friends” via social media?
What is compassion fatigue and how do we counter it?
A study by Hallmark found the impact of more authentic connections. Can you tell us about some of the findings and why cards can be used as a meaningful way to strengthen a relationship?
What are some other personal gestures that can create meaningful connections and combat loneliness brought on by too much digital interaction and too little real-life contact?
How can greeting cards make connections beyond recognizing celebratory or good times—for example—acknowledging sadness, feelings of being overwhelmed?
This interview segment is courtesy of Hallmark.