Is Every Man an Island? Considering Isolating Technologies

A few days ago, I listened to an episode of Rainn Wilson's (of The Office fame) podcast Soul Boom.  In the episode, researcher Alex Banyan was talking about his book, The Third Door, in which he chronicles his unconventional approach to tracking down and talking with successful people. What intrigued me most about Banyan's conversation with Rainn Wilson, though, was his take on the mental health crisis facing Americans, particularly younger generations. 

Banyan discusses some of the usual contributors to increased depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide among young people -- the rise of the smartphone, social media, the dopamine hit of constant scrolling. But he broadened technology in a way I hadn't considered before -- to use his term, the rise of isolating technologies. Think about it -- we can utterly avoid human interaction if we so choose. From Door Dash to self checkouts to branchless credit unions, if we want to only interact with machines, it's entirely possible. 

The day after listening to the podcast, I went to Walmart and saw an elderly person approaching the door at the same time. My instinct was to hold the door open for this person, who was struggling with a cane. I was taught this was the right thing to do -- to look for ways to help those who may need it and to respect my elders. But alas! The automated sliding door beat me to it. No need to interact, no need look out for another person. 

While I do not use Door Dash or UberEats, I do order ahead on Dunkin and Starbucks apps. The other day, when I stopped at Dunkin to pick up an order I placed before school, I noticed for the first time self-checkout-style kiosks so people can order in the store without having to go to the counter. (I am the first to admit that these are likely not new at all, for the record.) Whenever I pick up an order, I make a point to call out, "Thank you so much, everyone! Have a great day!" like a lunatic. They are probably thinking, "Doesn't that weirdo know she's just supposed to get her coffee and get out?"

Examining these isolating technologies has made me think about when my kids were little and we'd go out to eat. I always had them speak to the server, place their order, practice their manners. Nowadays, it's commonplace to see people on their phones at restaurants, barely making eye contact with the people waiting on them. Same for going through the grocery store or Target check out. 

I am no Luddite, and I embrace the advancement of technology to improve our lives, but I do question whether these isolating, time-saving (so-called) technologies are improving our lives or not. We need human connection. Poet John Donne said it best:

"No man is an island, 

entire of itself. 

Every man is a piece of the continent, 

a part of the main. 

If a clod be washed away by the sea, 

Europe is the less, 

As well as if a promontory were:

As well as if a manor of thy friend's

Or of thine own were. 

Any man's death diminishes me, 

Because I am involved in mankind. 

And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; 

It tolls for thee."

Obviously, these technologies aren't going away, but we need to use caution as we use them. Are we missing an opportunity to connect with others? Are we forgetting that we are all connected, like the clods of land that make up Europe? Are we becoming desensitized to the experience of others? Are we losing empathy? Is there a way to find a balance with these technologies? Can we be intentional in our use of them, so as not to lose our humanity along the way?

Asking these types of reflective questions is the task of the modern person. If we value our humanity and the relationships that make us unique as a species, this is the work ahead of us, as we face a brave new world each day.