THE EDITOR ‘Tis the season for resolutions. If you’re not into resolutions, don’t despair! I’m not going to preach about fitness, weight loss, volunteering or good health. I’m just going to share some thoughts about technology and human interaction, so read on . . . Generally speaking, the world won’t stop if we miss a call or text message. And what could be more important than actually giving your undivided attention to the person with whom you’ve chosen to spend time? I often feel that human interaction is becoming a lost art, much like a handwritten letter. As technology becomes more common, many of us spend more time on cell phones and laptops, which leaves less time to engage in conversations. Sure, the abilities we have because of technology are amazing – we have options today that we never had in the past. On the other end of the spectrum, too much laptop, smartphone and tablet-computer use may leave people at greater risk of eye strain, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Texting while driving is also a dangerous reality, and the English language is being used incorrectly because of the slang terms that are acceptable in the texting world. A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology reported that most adolescents spend an average of 25 to 30 hours per week watching TV and using computers. As a result, personalized interaction is being compromised for both adults and children since this is time that could be spent with friends and family. When you’re out and about, take a look at how many people are on their phones. Whether at a social event, business lunch, business meeting or on vacation, people often have their phones within arm’s reach. Generally speaking, the world won’t stop if we miss a call or text message. And what could be more important than actually giving your undivided attention to the person with whom you’ve chosen to spend time? In an article published by Bottom Line, Arts and Entertainment Editor Melissa Nilles wrote about a terrible nightmare she’d had. Instead of meeting for a quick cup of coffee, she and her friend spent 30 minutes texting back and forth about their day. Then, instead of going in to talk to her professor during his office hours, she emailed her question to him from home. As a result, although he might have been a great source for a letter of recommendation, he never got to know her. She then ignored a cute guy at the bus stop who asked her for the time because she was busy responding to a text. And she spent far too much time on Facebook trying to catch up with her “friends,” most of whom she rarely sees. “Oh wait,” Nilles writes. “That wasn’t a dream. This technological detachment is becoming today’s reality.” In today’s society, the meaningfulness of human interactions is often diminished, disconnecting us from the world around us and often making us feel more isolated. Although often simpler, communicating through a hand-held device doesn’t equate to spending quality time with another person. The benefits of hugging, sharing stories and laughing together can’t be replicated through texting and sending smiley-face emoticons. So, when thinking about resolutions, think about the importance of human interaction. Make an effort to communicate verbally; and when meeting in person, put your phone away, be present and make the person you’re with feel like the most important person in the room. And then, if you’re really inclined to bring back a lost art, you may want to sit down and craft a handwritten letter. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2015. Letter from By Debby Zelman Rapoport