Book Review: The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World

 

The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World

40 Tips to Meaningful Communication

by Jonathan McKee; Alyssa McKee

 Barbour Publishing, Inc. 

Shiloh Run Press

 Christian  |  Teens & YA 

Pub Date 01 Nov 2020 

This book is a unique one written by people of two generations, Jonathan is in his forties, Alyssa is in her twenties, for all their differences, they have things in common, like realizing how much screen time they used,  

In 2000 a year after SMS were available on cell phones, the average amount of texts that were sent were 35, that’s equivalent to about one a day.  

Cell Phones that could replace your computer, iPod, or other devices did not exist until 2007, when Steve Jobs launched the first iPhone.  And Social Media did not go mobile until 2012, Instagram launched late in. 2010, but did not become popular until 2012, and Snapchat was released in 2012 as well.

The Teens Guide to Face to Face Connections in A Screen to Screen World reminds us that our conversations become more enjoyable when everyone puts their phone in their pockets, and interacts. 

Adults spend an average of eleven hours and twenty seven minutes on screen time while teenagers spend an average of Mine hours and forty nine minutes, leaving very little time for face to face conversations.  

The authors remind us that while our mobile devices may be connecting us to those across the country from us or even across the world they are disconnecting us from those in the same room with us, basically to much screen time is making us socially stupid.

We are reminded that more is not always better, that is true with many things including screen time.  And on that end in 2018 over ten years after the first IPhone was released, both Apple and Android introduced updates that included the ability to set screen limits because the consumers demanded it.

This books goes on to point out too that sometimes the people who love us the most are the ones we ignored all day.  When we take the time away from the screen to really get to understand someone we come to realize that empathy is the gateway to deeper friendships.  

It is pointed out too that when Social Media starts to hijack our lives, it is time for us to take a break.  And that we can’t unsend or unpost something, because disappearing posts tend to reappear.  

This book reminds us too that hiding behind our masks, or screens doesn’t work, because eventually we are going to be exposed.

We are reminded too that screens can become dangerous when they distract us from those we care about.   We are reminded too that when we engage in deep conversations and ask second level questions people are more likely to put their phone away so they can engage in the conversation.

It is pointed out too that our posts can affect our future in ways we don’t realize, from destroying friendships, to blocking job opportunities, or even causing you to be fired from your current job.  It’s important to be mindful of what you post!

We are reminded too that meals are always better without our screens.  It is pointed out that occasional tech free days can be surprisingly refreshing.  It is pointed out too that the best way to escape temptations on our screen is to talk honestly about our struggles...It doesn’t matter how uncomfortable.

The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World points out too that texting is prone to misinterpretation.  And the authors go on to point out too that dinner is better when we are focused on the people at our table, not the ones in our palm.  This book points out too that texting is not a way to deal with conflict.

This book reminds us too that the irresponsible use of screens can lead to repercussions that burn out of control.  It goes on to point out that sometimes when we pull our noses out of our screens we discover we have  a relationship right under our noses.  And we are reminded that if our device is distracting us from the goals in our lives it is time for a digital detox.  

We are reminded too that when we seek a face to face relationship with a wise mentor, it is beneficial to everyone involved.

This book goes on to warn you that it doesn’t matter whether they are nice, friendly, rich or funny if you haven’t met them in person, they are still strangers and it’s a horrible idea to meet them in person, especially alone.

It is pointed out too that phones are like detonators, if you push the wrong button everything will blow up.    We are reminded too that Social Media can create a pressurized environment where we allow likes and follows to determine our value.  

We are reminded too that phones can create a fun way to connect with friends who live far away.

The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World reminds us too that life is far to short to leave conflict unresolved.  We are reminded too that some apps on our phones can be helpful while others are harmful, we must decide which apps are worth our time.  We are reminded too that when we can’t be face to face, screens can be a good way to connect.

It is pointed out too that we should use Holidays as a time to instigate interaction with the entire family, prompting them to put their phones away and interact face to face.  

We are reminded too that screens affect your sleep the way that caffeine does, and can cause poor sleeping patterns.    It is pointed out too that sometimes the best thing we can do is to just shut up Nd  listen to others, ask them how they are doing and take the time to really listen.

I give The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World, five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!