Artificial Intelligence is awe-inspiring. It is an excellent tool for research, inventory management, and AI will speed up finding cures for rare diseases. People use it to write memoranda, notes, even books. Personally, I enjoy writing my own thoughts. None of my content has been generated by AI. Yet, as crazy cool as AI is, it has limitations.

Loneliness is a public health issue, per the Surgeon General in 2023. Loneliness is different from solitude. Solitude is a peaceful quiet. Loneliness can be debilitating. Feelings of loneliness increase the risk of heart disease, dementia, depression; it even weakens your immune system. A legitimate question is why.

We have become more reliant on technology than any generation. People have abandoned getting outside in nature for screen time. Social media has created an artificial exchange. We text instead of calling. The truth is, we are hardwired to be in community with others. We have allowed phones to replace people. Catch the irony?

Another ironic phenomenon is that the human race is more connected than ever. We can call anyone. We can travel almost anywhere. We must take the initiative before it’s too late.

I’m not suggesting our phones aren’t necessary. They are. But human connection is direly needed for our ongoing well being. Reach out and check on people if you haven’t heard from them in a while. Make the call…