During one of the prosperous times in history when life expectancies are expanding, studies show that people are less apt to trust one another and don’t believe the world is getting better.
Dr. Richard Kyte believes the rise in technology and the resulting decline of social interaction are responsible.
The author of “Finding Your Third Place,” Rick spoke to the Waunakee Rotary Club at the Sept. 17 meeting. Third places are those outside of the home and work where people socialize and find connections.
When people are asked how they are doing, those with 10 or more friends are likely to say they feel connected. But today about half of Americans say they feel lonely.
While technology has grown rapidly and increased our independence, Rick said what the brain seeks out is social connection. Each year, people in America average more than 300 less words spoken per day.
Social scientists began to see a sharp rise in anxiety in young people around 2011-2012, and they attribute that to the increasing use of cell phones.
The effect of technology is seen differently in each generation, and those ages 50 or older with already well-established friendships are affected less because they used technology to keep up with friends.
Because younger people may not experience third places such as Cub Scouts or Girls Scouts or 4-H Clubs, they may be less prepared to talk to others and make friends. Rick noted a decline in feelings of self worth among those in middle and high school and an increase in depression, particularly among girls.
Starting around 2015, the time spent alone has been on the rise, particularly among young people.
Rich advises people to prioritize friendship, noting that it is a result of specific practices and deliberate choices. Those who have a wider circle of acquaintances in their 20s are more likely to have more friends in their 60s, and he encourages those in their 20s to join different groups.
Later in life, social participation also reduces rates of dementia. He encourages people to find those third places where they interact with others, such as libraries or churches. Those third places are changing, Rick said, noting that coffee shops have become places for people to work rather than talk. Instead, people are gathering at independent bookstores, farmers markets and pickleball courts.
About Rotary, Rick reminded the club that Paul Harris had just moved to Chicago from a rural area and was looking for friendships when he formed the club.
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Other news:
Plans for the arch at Waunakee Village Park will begin to materialize on Monday when digging begins for the footings. They’re expected to be at least 7 feet deep, Ken Pesik said. The arch is slated for completion around Nov. 10, and afterwards there will be a ribbon cutting, possibly on Nov. 22 when the club unveils the Rotary Lights.
Ken said it was another record year for Wauktoberfest. Seventy-seven barrels of beer were sold, compared to 72 last year, and cans of beer sold also exceeded last year’s sales. The beer tent grossed $70,000 and will net around $49,000. Proceeds are split among five participating service organizations, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Waunahops, Lions and Waunakee Community Foundation, explained Al Dassow, who noted that Wauktoberfest is a subset of Waunakee Community Foundation.
The club presented $750 in tips from Thursday night to Ken Ballweg to go toward Agrace.
Congratulations go to Bernie Kennedy, who has earned his Blue Badge after completing eight steps to being an experienced member, and to Tony Burns, who earned his third Paul Harris Award.
The club has donated over $4,000 for Food for Kidz for the ingredients to be packaged at the event.
Bob Klostermann is organizing a Packers watch party at the Lamphouse. It sounds like it will be the Oct. 25 game against Detroit at 3:25 p.m.
Coming Up
Sept. 23: Chamber Golf Classic
Oct. 6: Bishops Bay Pizza and Fellowship at 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 11: Food for Kidz
Nov. 22-Jan. 1: Rotary Lights
Greeters: Sept. 24, David Rupp and Phil Willems; Oct. 1, Tracy Graber and ???; Oct. 8, Sally Gile and Ken Ballweg; Oct. 15, Shelley Moffett and David May; Oct. 22, David Rupp and ???
To sign up to greet or to find out when you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
