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Home alone...are you becoming a growing statistic?

Posted by Leticia, 14 Aug

Does it strike you as ironic that the more advanced we become by the way of technology, the further away we get with each other? I mean, why go to the store and buy stationary and a stamp, come back home, write a letter then wait for the postman to come to your house and pick it up to deliver it, when we can just sit at home and send an email and touch no one and nothing other than our computers?

Recently, CNN did a report on loneliness in America. It talked about the irony of the fact that we have never had more people, almost 300 million, but we've also never had as many one person households, around 27 million. It seems that we aren't connecting with each other because it's easier not to. There has even been studies conducted that show that we don't even have the same quantity or quality of friendships that we use to. Think about it, how many times have you turned down an invitation to go catch a movie and have dinner and opted for cable and take out...alone? Instead of going to spend that "quality" time with a friend for their birthday, we send e-cards and e-mails, faxes and instant messages saying "happy birthday...enjoy your day". We even use caller ID as a way to avoid those friends that call to remind us that we haven't been out in a while.

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It really shouldn't be a surprise why we are the way we are; Disconnected, unattached, and inpatient. Not to mention not very understanding or tolerable about people or things that are different. It's no wonder we haven't really moved any further along in race relations because we aren't moving along period. How do we truly live up to our title of being the "melting pot", when we can't even get everyone into the kitchen...let alone the pot?

Loneliness use to be something we associated with the elderly. Not anymore. Our children are lonely because their parents have to work more to keep up with the Jones'. Our teens are lonely because they have spent more hours at home on their own computers, watching cable TV or playing video games instead of outside making friends and learning to get along with others. Then when they make friends in high school, these are the same ones that they stay in their dorm rooms at college to IM and chat with on line, instead of going out on campus to meet and make new friends.

As I say and write this I do realize that there again lies some irony and contradiction in what I say. The internet is a wonderful ‘tool' to get to meet more people in a short period of time. However, it should never take the place of that one on one, face time. As humans, we long for and need to be touched...literally. There is no substitute for that. It seems to me that if we spent a little more time and effort getting to know people ourselves, instead of relying on the media to define a group, race or nationality of people, we could better judge and form our own opinions about who we want in our lives. How comfortable would you be if the only representation of your race came from TV characters, like, Archie Bunker, George Jefferson, or Cheech and Chong? Would these images really make you want to run out of your house and meet someone of a different race?

I mention television because more than any other media, it makes us think that we are connected with the outside world when we really aren't. We sit in our houses alone and see the celebrities living these lifestyles that we can't compete with, so we don't even try. Do you realize that loneliness can increase your risk of heart disease and depression?

Do this for me, get off the computer right now and pick up the telephone or walk out of your house and talk and touch someone today. If you have to stay on the computer than email someone and make plans to get together this week.

This is Leticia...are you still here?

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Responses to "Home alone...are you becoming a growing statistic?"

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  1.   justknowingu says:
    Posted: 01 May 07

    good article...think about it...before you decline an invitation!!

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  2.   justknowingu says:
    Posted: 31 Mar 07

    good article...something to really think about before u decline an invitation..!!

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  3.   maishagal says:
    Posted: 06 Feb 07

    I think it is a double edged sword...we don't know who we r dealin wit on the other end all the time...its scary to think that u could learn this lesson da hard way!

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  4.   sweetnes20 says:
    Posted: 03 Feb 07

    its hard now that its winter.

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  5.   mossimo36 says:
    Posted: 19 Jan 07

    I am home alone right now....am I becoming this article?

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  6.   JADE74 says:
    Posted: 25 Oct 06

    very good article.

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  7.   embraceme says:
    Posted: 11 Oct 06

    IT IS SO FUNNY WHEN YOU MENTION THE INTERNET TO PEOPLE.. THEY THINK OF YOU AS ALWAYS AT HOME ONLINE WITHOUT GETTING OUT AND BEING WITH PEOPLE.. I HEAR ALOT OF OH THAT AINT REAL YOU DONT KNOW WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO.. OK IN THE BEGINNING OF ANY REALTIONSHIP WEATHER IT BE FROM THE INTERNET OR THE WORLD OUTSIDE YOU REALLY DONT KNOW THAT DPERSON TILL YOU MEET AND FEEL EACH OTHER OUT... LETS NOT JUDGE THE STAYING AT HOME UNLESS THE PERSON IS CONSUMED WITH THE INTERENT.

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  8.   Mystify24 says:
    Posted: 25 Sep 06

    Gee...after reading this I feel like I am extra weird!! LOL! I am one of those people who does not turn down offers to go out to a movie or to eat or to window shop or anything (especially if it's free for me!! lol).. but I am one of those people who will NOT do any of the above things alone. I still spend lots of money on (pretty) stationery and stamps (also pretty) and I hand write letters. I don't watch alot of TV (mostly because I am to cheap to pay for cable lol). I also use my home phone allot more than my cell phone. My cell is just for emerencies and to tell friends I'm running late for dinner but the majority of the time it's my friends calling me telling me they are running late lol. I do spend allot of time on my computer and some of that time online. After combining all of the above things... I'm still lonely!! LOL! ;)

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  9.   Kara says:
    Posted: 25 Sep 06

    I spend a lot of time alone, but I feel lonely only occasionally. I'd rather be alone than to spend time with people I don't feel connected to. It's great when friends come to town, though.

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  10.   BABYMEAT says:
    Posted: 25 Sep 06

    glad to read other peoples comments and relize its not just me feeling that way!!!

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  11.   Natural72 says:
    Posted: 24 Sep 06

    So, it's not just me huh? Yeah it really seems lonely now-a-days. I always contributed it to friends being in relationships and me being single. But those in a relationship may also be lonely. This article reminds me of the movie "Crash." People are so starved for the human touch, that they will do just about anything to get it...even through a pc screen.

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  12.   justknowingu says:
    Posted: 23 Sep 06

    well...if you're feeling kind of lonely and stuck "nursing" a bowl of popcorn on saturday nite---or sunday afternoon--just make sure the batteries in your remote are good to go--'cause you will be doing lots of surfing...!!..good article....

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  13.   JADE74 says:
    Posted: 22 Sep 06

    Alone.......yes.....Lonely....sometimes....Reach out and get to know people make new friends.Very good articles..

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  14.   UrPrincess41 says:
    Posted: 21 Sep 06

    I can blame my picky ways for my loneliness I just want a real man with a true passion for God. I feel I am going to find him on this site.

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  15.   Glo says:
    Posted: 20 Sep 06

    Oh this is kul...most times when i finish my work and come back home, i feel really lonely...i pray all to meet someone. so whenever im lonely..i go online chatting with friends...that really help.

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  16.   charlee1 says:
    Posted: 19 Sep 06

    after a hard days work, it's sometimes better to be alone. as much as i love my friends and family, i wouldn't want them around every evening!

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  17.   justknowingu says:
    Posted: 19 Sep 06

    good article---all things in moderation..

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  18.   notshytc says:
    Posted: 18 Sep 06

    You can always take the time to research what ever is on your mind and in my case keep me from driving so much.

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  19.   UNME23 says:
    Posted: 18 Sep 06

    i dont know you, but i find that sunday nights are the hardest nights to be alone.

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  20.   darknlovely4 says:
    Posted: 18 Sep 06

    being alone........yes.......i love it

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  21.   iceburger says:
    Posted: 15 Sep 06

    When everyone in your part of the world is alseep, one is sure of getting someone to chat with. Someone from the part of the world thats not asleep. Its all great connection.

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  22.   ebonybeautyj says:
    Posted: 14 Sep 06

    Being alone allows one to discover themselves.....

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  23.   mandie says:
    Posted: 14 Sep 06

    I love to watch tv just not always alone

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  24.   kandi says:
    Posted: 14 Sep 06

    Great article

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  25.   Ruben says:
    Posted: 14 Sep 06

    The article has a very valid point. Life is all about balance. People need to find an equilibrium between work and school, relationships and yourself. Any activities your involved in. Most importantly, we have to find that within ourselves. I'm not just saying this because I'm a libra.

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  26.   babymeat says:
    Posted: 14 Sep 06

    yeah, another fun night at home.........not

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  27.   HEARTNSOUL23 says:
    Posted: 14 Sep 06

    This is so true......not only are there so many lonely people because of secluding themselves to their houses, but it is also a reason for the steady incline of obesity. I also Thank God for my child, it keeps me on the go.....I have become more apt to do things I normally wouldn't have done.... instead of watching life pass me by, I jump in and join it! It feels great!!!!!!

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  28.   kanuquabea says:
    Posted: 13 Sep 06

    I chat online with real people like I do off line. I see nothing wrong different interactions.

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  29.   UNME23 says:
    Posted: 13 Sep 06

    THANK GO FOR CHAT ROOMS WHEN I FELL LONELY!!

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  30.   BABYMEAT says:
    Posted: 13 Sep 06

    THE DAYS R GETTING SHORTER AND IT GETS DARK EARLY, ITS DEPRESSING AND I FEEL ALONE

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  31.   iceburger says:
    Posted: 11 Sep 06

    chat rooms are the best places to kill boredom

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  32.   BABYMEAT says:
    Posted: 10 Sep 06

    IM STARTING TO BELIEVE IM A STATISTIC!!!

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  33.   embraceme says:
    Posted: 08 Sep 06

    IT IS FUNNY THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE TODAY HAVE COMPUTERS AND THEY SEEM TO DO EVERYTHING OVER THE NET.. BUT IT DOES LIL FOR THEIR PERSONALITY TRADES.. THEY BECOME LESS FRIENDLY AND LESS ENTERTAINING.. WHEN YOU TAKE HUMAN CONTACT OUT OF PLAY .. YOU LOSE HOW TO COMMUNICATE.. IT'S A SHAME MOST PEOPLE COMMUNICATE WELL OVER THE INTERNET BUT FACE THEM FACE TO FACE AND YOU ARE LEFT SPEECHLESS STANDING ALONE THINKING HOW CAN THIS BE... GIVE ME HUMAN CONTACT OVER INTERNET ANYDAY.. I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE RUSH HOME FROM WORK TO JUMP ONLINE AND I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE MISS A EVENING OUT JUST TO STAY HOME AND CHAT ONLINE.. I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE CONSUME THEMSELVES WITH A LIFE STYLE OF JUST ONLINE.. AND YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS THEY BEGIN TO GAIN WEIGHT. THEY BEGIN TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE REAL WORLD.. COME ON PEOPLE THIS WAS MEANT FOR ENTERTAINMENT.. AND SOME HAVE TAKEN IT TO NEW LEVELS.. I HOPE ALL OF YOU UNDERSTAND SITTING IN FRONT OF A COMPUTER ALL DAY AND NIGHT IS NOT THE WAY TO LIVE.. AND LETS NOT TELL WHAT IT DOES TO A ASS LOL.. AND OF COURSE YOUR EYES.. LISTEN CONSUME YOURSELF WITH THE REAL WORLD..WHO KNOWS YOU MIGHT MEET ME WALKING DOWN THE STREET LOL.. (NOT)

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  34.   Carla says:
    Posted: 08 Sep 06

    rather be alone and happy than together and miserable...been down that road before....just waiting to find my soul mate...if it means being home alone..then it just means being here until I find it...

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  35.   urmydestiny says:
    Posted: 08 Sep 06

    I've been unable to leave the house unaided because of a foot injury, so having the computer to chat to people outside if a blessing. It really has its uses.

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  36.   UNME23 says:
    Posted: 08 Sep 06

    when i feel alone like usual, i tend to go to the chat rooms for a smile!!!

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  37.   ashley says:
    Posted: 07 Sep 06

    everyone is more gadget friendly... anyone else know someone who can text on their cell phone and drive at the same time??? its scary really if you like about it....

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  38.   vanessa says:
    Posted: 07 Sep 06

    When my last husband died I though my whole world ended. I've been married more than one time and they all was till death do you part. I decided to get into my own business and it helps but doesn't take anyone of their places. Loneliness is a killer, its hard and no one should have to go through it but you will so I hope I find Mr Right not perfect but loving and caring .

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  39.   justknowingu says:
    Posted: 07 Sep 06

    again..I agree with others--all things in moderation--and you have to get out from time to time and mingle...

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  40.   maria says:
    Posted: 07 Sep 06

    Loneliness can kill. one must try very hard not to alow loneliness to be a part of his/her life

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  41.   urmydestiny says:
    Posted: 07 Sep 06

    Thank god for the chatroom, it allows me to find friends from other parts of the world. I say yes to tv and yes to computers. All I know is if they were taken away from me then I really would be lonely.

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  42.   milkshaka says:
    Posted: 07 Sep 06

    being alone has its pluses

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  43.   Fala says:
    Posted: 06 Sep 06

    God, I hope that's now what I have to look forward to.

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  44.   Ann says:
    Posted: 06 Sep 06

    I'd really be lonely if I didn't have my cyber friends.

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  45.   Charmaine says:
    Posted: 06 Sep 06

    I am from Trinidad and have never truly experienced loneliness until I began living in the US. In Trinidad there is always a family or a neighbor who you can share time or a meal with. Although there are so many people living in the US, communication is mainly via computers, telephones etc and hardly ever on a face to face basis.

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  46.   BABYMEAT says:
    Posted: 06 Sep 06

    I START TO FEELING LONELY NOW THAT THE SUMMER IS OVA, CAUSE THERE IS LESS GOING ON!!

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  47.   cnoter says:
    Posted: 06 Sep 06

    I might be busy being busy.But My personal life is very personal.So if I chose to be alone ,it's my choice.FREEDOM OF CHOICE.I'm free in a free nation.Besides God is always with me..so I'm never really alone.Sometimes not being around people means drama free too.And I'm free to change my mind.But if ya really think about it.Did'nt God say "man should not be alone".Well who's the Great deceiver and robber of your time.The great counterfit.HHMMMM.

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  48.   Kalilah says:
    Posted: 05 Sep 06

    I think we have become so busy in society that these things have become the norm. As long as you keep a healthy perspective on everything, I don't see a problem.

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  49.   auroraxxx says:
    Posted: 05 Sep 06

    am I becoming a growing statistic? Well I do try to maintain my weight eheheh...well i may get off the computer....tomorrow....maybe....lol :)

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  50.   Marquez097 says:
    Posted: 05 Sep 06

    society places so much pressure on us to use technology. its thrown in our faces 24/7. if society would put less emphasis on the need to be cool and have all these things then people would probably not care about them so much and go back to being active humans and striving to attain something other than a indentation in a sofa or computer chair.

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