There’s no shortage of articles, blogs and general discourse about the challenges plaguing our society. Common throughout much of the discussion is one word – disconnect. 
We hear about social disconnect all the time, with reminders on social media platforms or from heart-felt videos imploring us to put down the smart phones and meaningfully connect with each other. Most of us nod wisely at the messages, agreeing with the general directive — “less technology, more human connection.” But are we taking action?
I could rattle on about the causes and impacts of disconnection, affecting everything from crime rates to mental health to workplace performance. But I’d rather focus on what can we do about it. Simple: let’s start connecting.
Step One: Connect with Hello.
The world needs positive connections and it needs them now. There’s no better way to start than with hello.
In 2012, concerned about growing community disconnect, I created www.thehellopledge.com, a site where folks make a conscious commitment to say hello to people they pass throughout their day. It started strong but my quest for Hello Pledge world domination was hijacked by the usual suspects: work, life and time. But no more excuses.
I need your help in reigniting the movement. The Hello Pledge is waiting at www.thehellopledge.com. I invite everyone — and I mean everyone — to sign on and commit to saying hello to folks in their communities or wherever they may find themselves in our interconnected world. At first you’ll be amazed (maybe even a little uncomfortable) at the surprised looks you receive. But you’ll also be moved by the look of gratitude in the eyes of people you’ve acknowledged.
So please share a smile and a hello. Help the folks in our communities who fear they’ve become invisible remember that they’re connected to a community of people who care. Spread the word. Share the love.
I’ll share more steps to increasing our human connection in coming blogs. Please share your ideas too – together we can create thriving communities that place the highest value on kindness and human connection. And it all starts with hello. Make your commitment here.
Public, workplace and leadership engagement professional, Maureen “Mo” Douglas is a radically positive agent for change. Click here for Mo’s FREE e-Guide to Better Public Engagement. Follow her on Twitter.
The technological advances that have taken place over a relatively short period of time, have, on the whole, improved a great number of things.
But I fear it really is a case of everything should be taken in moderation.
We have not only adapted to the changes that have come over the last 20 years, but already rely on it.
Not only for social interaction but also in my opinion, for business and service delivery, in the name of embracing change, keeping up with trends, efficiencies and (one could say, ironically) to engage and build relationships with people.
It can be a great tool, but we must be mindful to remember that often when we connect with someone digitally, thats how the relationship will continue- almost at arms length. Seemingly cheaper and/or disposable connections that have low emotional value.
I don’t belive technology matches (what has almost become) old fashioned personal interaction- but it has almost replaced it I fear, with effects being felt socially and within business and public services.
Sign the pledge! Hello 🙂
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Digital communication is a great tool and can be a wonderful social device, but nothing really beats the social interaction that comes with a “hello”.
I completely agree and I try to make saying hello a regular thing in my life. At first it was uncomfortable but the more I did it the easier it became and I noticed I gave off a more friendly and positive vibe to others that can be contagious. “Hello it forward!”
Hi Kira,
I’ve had a few other folks say the same thing – that making eye contact and saying hello at first was challenging. But once you see the eyes of another person light up at being acknowledged, it sure makes it easy!
Stay positive!
Thanks, Mo