The Power of Connection: Choosing Real Interactions in a Digital Age

?? Since the world seems to be glued to their phones, computers and televisions for a significant part of our day, I wanted to remind you about how real-life interactions enhance our essential for our collective mental health.?

??You’ll find that our work terra alma focuses around turning spaces into places where PEOPLE can gather. Of course, I’ll admit I let my camera eat before I do, as I love documenting the amazing dishes our creative chefs present to us. More importantly, I realize that the work we do is serving those who serve others.?

According to Shakya & Christakis in 2017, face-to-face social interactions enhance well-being, in stark contrast to online interactions, which may have a detrimental effect on mental health. While I get it, it’s here to stay, we can choose HOW and how OFTEN we opt to interact online.?

I was truly hopeful post-pandemic that we’d all be able to digital detox more often and that wellness spots were going to explode in popularity. I don’t think we’re quite there, YET. While AI and digital tools offer convenience and enhanced capabilities in many domains, they are not a substitute for the irreplaceable benefits that come from interacting with others in a shared physical space.

WE need one another.?

1. Emotional Connection: In-person interactions provide a level of emotional depth that AI and digital communications often can't match. Body language, eye contact, and physical touch are essential components of human connection that help build empathy, trust, and understanding.
2. Mental Health: Numerous studies indicate that real-world social connections are vital for maintaining mental health. They can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, which are often exacerbated by the isolating nature of digital interactions, even when mediated by AI.
3. Collaboration and Creativity: While AI can facilitate the sharing of information and coordination of tasks, it still lacks the spontaneous creativity and problem-solving capabilities that human teams can achieve when working together in person. The dynamic energy of real-world interactions often leads to greater innovation and creativity.
4. Nuanced Communication: Subtle nuances in communication, such as sarcasm, humor, and affection, are more effectively conveyed and understood in person. AI, despite its advances in understanding human language, still struggles with the complexities and emotional subtleties of our communications.
5. Physical Health: Engaging in social activities can lead to a more active lifestyle, contrary to the sedentary behavior often associated with extended periods of technology use. Physical interactions require moving out, which can improve overall physical health.
6. Learning and Development: For children and adults alike, in-person interactions are crucial for learning social skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural norms—areas where AI cannot fully replicate the rich learning environments provided by human interactions.

I head into this Fall for my 16th year attending Atlanta ICSC, a IRL (in real life) conference for people in commercial real estate. While I pray every year for them to consider rotating locations, it is a time to “speed date” with those who focus on retail real estate. And while we have online conferencing available, one thing I could not do online is schedule competing Landlord’s back to back for the same market so that they could understand they’re in competition. Yes, I’ve done this purposefully a few times and it makes for quite a fun conversation…plus, my clients LOVE it!?

Stay Connected

I hope this edition has reminded you that IRL > zoom > phone > email > text.

As your trusted founder at terra alma , I continue to educate myself and the team about how to live a life filled with gratitude.

IRL

??If you’re interested in connecting in real life, as that is my preferred way of getting to know you, check out my calendar to see where I am!

If you’re heading to Atlanta ICSC and want to meet with me, I’ve got a few spots open…