You ever notice how people think they have great people skills? They talk about how they’re great with people or love being social. Yet at the same time everyone seems to just plain suck at basic communication and “social” has moved from face-to-face to an online “virtual” reality?

Like the marketplace, communications are an ever-evolving outlet. Only a few decades ago, every household relied on a landline phone in their home. Now? Less than 50% of American households have a landline!

And yes, most people use cellular devices, but communication has changed more than that. Social media sites like Twitter, which just made its stock market debut at just over $31 billion dollars yesterday and Facebook are redefining communication in a big way.

Here’s just one example of this “communication evolution.” A teen was arrested for disturbing the peace in Beverly, Massachusetts after a typical teenage prank. Instead of using his “one phone call” to call someone to post his $40 bail, he used his cell to post a Facebook status.

Guess what? It worked! Not long after, a friend showed up at the station to post his bail and take him home. Our communication has become so reliant on digital technology, and not face-to-face human interactions, most people avoid actually dealing with a live human at all costs!

It is wildly interesting to see how much it has all changed. Most people wonder what this means for our society. The problem with a lack of face to face, is it dehumanizes social interaction. It takes the “human” factor out of talking to a human!

Of over 18,000 teens polled, 90% admitted technology makes life easier, but about 60% said that people rely on it too much and it can be dehumanizing.

In fact this fear of dehumanizing our society has become such a threat, there is a new wave of empathy-geared games. These games are focused on teaching children about empathy, as they wouldn’t normally recognize it. Wow, can you imagine that?!

As our ever-changing society evolves in its different forms of communication, recognize that you are in total control of your communications and that of your kids. You don’t have to invest in empathy-themed games to equip your child to be an influential and skilled people-person. Your family does not have to be victim or fear the dehumanization of everything!

Despite whatever social media, technology or changes continue to occur in communications in our world — you as a parent are the one responsible for what goes in your household! Isn’t it time to put actual PEOPLE back into “people skills” and arm yourself — and your family — with those timeless communication tools, regardless of the medium, that can make you true masters of your “domain!”

While we want to see more human interaction, we also understand the online realities of today, so I invite you to “Like,” “Tweet” and share today’s message. But don’t stop there, start the conversation face-to-face today with your friends, coworkers and family. And, don’t forget to let me know your favorite form of communication! Grab your whole family and join us this Sunday night for The Dani Johnson Show at 9 pm ET/ 8 pm CT.

In great faith,

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