You probably hear a lot from older generations that young people today just don’t know how to listen. How much truth is behind that statement? Are our communication skills really going down the drain?

Next time you’re in the cafeteria, look around at some of the tables. I guarantee you that the majority of students will be on their phones, even when they have friends sitting across from them. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as we all fall victim to our phones sometimes, but it really doesn’t make sense. Our generations seems very linked in terms of social media and the Internet. Our desire to feel connected to others is very important. Because of this, we can meet new people and keep in touch with others that we can’t physically be with, which is absolutely amazing. Our technology really is fantastic, although in most cases, too much of a good thing isn’t really a good thing.

Decades ago, people most likely did listen more to the people around them. They also didn’t have the advanced technology that we are now so fascinated by. Though presently, we aren’t completely disconnected to our surroundings, we do have a tendency to be less aware. People of the past had to listen to one another, as listening was one of the only ways to obtain information and learn. Today, it isn’t as necessary to have a long conversation with someone about a heartfelt topic. You may be lectured all the time about how important it is to listen to your elders, but it really is true. I learn such incredible things about my grandparents’ past when I simply sit and talk with them about their experiences.

I’m not saying that life in the past was any better than life today. People in the past would surely kill for some of the amazing things that we have created. I suppose there’s a tradeoff when it comes to these things. We gain unbelievable technological advancements but lose a bit of our past lifestyle. Our generation needs to be careful and should listen more to the people around us. Take note of what older people say. As much as you don’t want to admit it, they carry much more life experience than you or I possess. Be aware, and you may just hear something you’ll never forget.