The internet is a wonderful thing, but the abundance of technology — from smartphones and watches to e-readers — means that these devices are increasingly luring people away from a good old-fashioned, face-to-face conversation.
With this in mind, we commissioned research to explore the impact the Digital Age is having on the art of storytelling; that is, of listening and speaking to each other. The results paint a picture of a nation that no longer shares their experiences in an authentic way. We found that 4 million people in the UK admitted that they can’t remember the last time they had a meaningful conversation with someone that didn’t take place online.
According to Ofcom, British people spend an average of 24 hours each week online, with one in five people indulging in at least 40 hours of screen time per week. The advent of technology has life easier, but living in a faster and more convenient world has very real ramifications. More than half of British people admit that connected devices interrupt face-to-face conversations with friends and family. If you’ve ever anticipated catching up with loved ones over dinner only to have it ruined by the beeping and buzzing of phones, you know just how incessant technology’s demands can be.
At StoryTerrace, we're interested in how the rise of technology affects the way humans interact with each other. Our research shows that speaking and listening might be becoming obsolete in today’s society. But that would be a real shame, since direct conversation is a vital pillar of mental and emotional health.
Beyond being an annoyance, is over-reliance on technology and neglecting of real life interaction making people lonelier?
The lack of face-to-face interaction in the daily lives of Brits is having a profound impact on mental wellbeing. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 17% of adults in the UK cite the lack of real-life communication and community as one of the key drivers of their psychological challenges.
This begs a few key questions. Is the art of the conversation dying? What are the consequences of not sharing experiences with friends and family? And how can we keep our stories alive in a digital age?
Our research caught the attention of the Samaritans and Happiful magazine. Here writer Becky Wright pointed out that, while millennials are the most technologically savvy generation, they are also the loneliest and more susceptible to mental illness as result of their digital lifestyles.
Here’s what’s clear: Technology has enhanced many aspects of modern life, but authentic speaking and listening are still key for a happy, healthy nation.
As StoryTerrace founder and CEO Rutger Bruining says:
"Communication is vital to our health, wellbeing and overall happiness; it is a basic human need to seek out contact and interaction with others. Yet our research has shown that many of us are going weeks or even months without having a proper conversation with anyone. There are several reasons to which we can attribute this decline in communication, but one of the key factors is that, in today's content and celebrity culture, many people simply believe that their tales just aren't worth telling.
At StoryTerrace however, we've found that if you ask the right questions, everyone's life is interesting. You don't have to be a celebrity or politician to have a story worth capturing. Many people have made interesting life choices, pursued their dreams leading to incredible stories of failure and success, endured adversity, explored the world, contributed to their family and community, and been part of history as it happened. These stories spark deeper connections and are treasured by relatives when they are recorded."
Our research also delved into the importance of sharing family stories despite the proliferation of screen time. When family members speak, they pass along wisdom and a sense of connection that binds generations to each other in a meaningful way.
We found that almost one in four people know of incredible legacies or unsung heroes in their family that only a few people are aware of. What's more, three in 10 of those surveyed believe such historical heroes in their family will be distant memories in the near future because their legacy is left undocumented.
What really stands out: Over 7.5 million people haven’t taken the time to reflect on their life and what they’ve managed to achieve through the years. This self-reflection can be incredibly rewarding, and preserving your story for future generations ensures that they won’t be left wondering about all the things you wanted them to know.
Documenting your life is truly a gift for future generations. What better way to do it than by turning the story of your life into a book? At StoryTerrace, we believe your story is worth telling. That’s why we’ve helped thousands of people to capture their life story in their very own book.
Together, let's keep speaking. Let's keep listening. And let’s keep celebrating stories that deserve to be told time and time again.
For more information on how to keep your story alive with a StoryTerrace book, Contact us to schedule a free consultation, or sign up for our newsletter to receive more original content from us!