by Max Russell

I realized we had a problem when I saw two teenagers sitting next to each other, texting each other… instead of talking. What’s worse? They were probably using emojis instead of actual words. At that moment, it hit me—we are losing the ability to talk like normal humans.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I love technology. I appreciate that I can order a pizza without ever speaking to another person. I like that I can text “on my way” when I haven’t even left the house yet. But somewhere along the way, we’ve traded real, face-to-face conversations for thumbs flying across screens and voice notes that nobody ever listens to.

The Awkward Reality of Talking in Person

You ever notice how people panic when they actually have to talk? Eye contact? Sweaty palms. Small talk? Immediate stress. Confrontation? They’d rather fake a phone call.

I’ve witnessed full-grown adults go into a near meltdown when their phone dies and they have to gasp engage in a real conversation. It’s like watching someone try to remember how to ride a bike—wobbly, uncomfortable, and full of panic.

Technology has made things so easy that we’ve started treating human interaction like an optional software update—something we’ll get around to eventually.

Why We Stopped Talking (And Why That’s a Problem)

Let’s be honest—texting is easier. Typing “LOL” is a lot less effort than actually laughing. Sending an emoji is much safer than expressing actual emotions. And let’s not forget the greatest invention of all—the “Read Receipt.” Nothing says I’m ignoring you on purpose like a message that was read five hours ago but never answered.

But the downside? We’re losing the ability to connect. Real conversation—the kind where you can’t edit your response or delete your awkward typo—is becoming rare. We struggle with deep discussions, we avoid difficult talks, and we rely on GIFs to express how we feel. (Which, to be fair, is sometimes effective.)

Bringing Back the Art of Conversation

So, how do we fix this? How do we relearn the lost art of conversation without breaking into a cold sweat? Here’s what’s been working for me:

1. Put the Phone Down (Even If It Hurts) – When I’m talking to someone, I actually try to keep my phone in my pocket. No scrolling, no notifications, no distractions. Just old-school, undivided attention. Wild, right?
2. Make Eye Contact (Without It Getting Weird) – Staring too long is creepy, but avoiding eye contact completely makes you look suspicious. There’s a balance here, folks.
3. Embrace the Awkward Pause – Not every second of conversation needs to be filled. Sometimes, silence is okay. It’s not a sign to panic and immediately start scrolling.
4. Practice Small Talk – Yes, small talk can be painful. But it’s also a skill. And if you master it, you’ll never have to hide in the bathroom at social events again.
5. Call Someone Just to Talk – I know, I know. Calling people is terrifying. But trust me, once you get past the initial shock, it’s actually refreshing to have a real-time conversation where no one is overanalyzing their response.

Final Thoughts

Look, I’m not saying we need to ditch technology and go full-on Little House on the Prairie with our communication. But maybe, just maybe, we could all try a little harder to actually talk to each other. Face-to-face. In real time. Without autocorrect saving us from our mistakes.

Because at the end of the day, relationships are built on real conversations—not just texts, not just DMs, and definitely not just double-tapping someone’s Instagram post. So, let’s bring back the lost art of conversation… before we all forget how to do it entirely.

And if you don’t agree with me, feel free to text me about it. I probably won’t reply. 😆ge further.