Digital Divide: How to Confront People Who Are Constantly Looking at Their Phone Screens

According to new research by Joseph Grenny, author of the New York Times bestseller Critical Conversations, 89% of respondents said their relationships have been damaged by insensitive or inappropriate use of technology. And yet many suffer in silence.

According to the study of 2,025 people, 9 out of 10 reported that their coworkers or family members did not pay attention to them at least once a week in order to keep up with something on their digital devices (such as phones, computers, tablets, etc.). And 1 in 4 said that Digital Screen Desensitization (DSD) had caused a serious rift between them and a friend or family member.

So what do we do when faced with such obvious DED?

According to the survey, most of us do nothing. 1 in 3 admit to completely ignoring them in order to cope with DED.

So what happens when it is your spouse, child, best friend or coworker who repeats this mistake? Even in close relationships, people still find it difficult to talk openly. In fact, almost 2 out of 3 people have no idea how to reduce the impact of other people's inappropriate use of technology. By saying nothing, they are silently endorsing insensitive and bad behavior.

The research shows that without a set of skills to confront IED quickly and sincerely, the prevalence and severity of insensitivity will continue to grow. But the survey also identified a minority who are skilled at speaking out. This vocal minority are finding ways to reduce the negative impact of the WIA on their relationships.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Of those surveyed;

• 87%say that DED is worse now than last year.

• 90%agree that people should not check their messages or social media accounts when they are in a community.
• 93%say they often witness someone engaging in DED while driving.
• 67%have witnessed DED while at the dinner table.
• 52%have witnessed DED while interacting with a customer service representative.
• 35%have witnessed DED in a place of worship.
• 25%witnessed IED while at school.

Tips for Confronting Digital Screen Insensitivity

Choose the hard way. Some DDDs are motivated by urgency or necessity, so assume good intentions. Empathize and say something like: "The situation seems important. I can come back later if you need to answer this call or text."

Speak in a precise way. Speaking in the most understandable and descriptive way often leads to results. Instead of making vague demands and passive-aggressive behavior, set clear boundaries. You can say things like "We need your full attention in this meeting, so please turn off your cell phones".

Say the Impact. Instead of making judgments about the other person's morality, explain what the consequences will be if the WED is repeated. "The message sound of your WhatsApp is disturbing my concentration, can you please turn it off? Thank you".

Don't Make Yourself Upset. Don't try to measure your influence by whether people immediately respond to what you say. Your intervention will be recorded as controlling and will slow down the formation of new norms.

Ignore it. If you have tried every tactic and the digital screen insensitive person does not comply, ignore it. As long as it does not jeopardize your safety, it is better to move on.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH.

This study collected responses from 2,025 people through an online survey in February 2014. The margin of error is approximately 3

LEARN NEW SKILLS.

To find out how Critical Conversations Training can help you, visit www.successprogramme.com/tr or call +90 216 681 63 81.