When Technology Steals Our Magic

I took a day off today. Started with a treat - couple hours with Matthew Dicks' book on storytelling. His writing had me swinging between laughing and crying, completely pulled in by his emphasis on authenticity in storytelling. This piece has been partly inspired by that.

Later, my wife and I picked up our daughter from school for some family time. At her favorite playground, she dove into one of her magical imaginary plays - you know, those moments where kids create entire worlds out of thin air. I usually love watching her do this. Even more, I love when I can break loose and jump into her world too.

But today, when she invited me to join her story, explaining the character I should play... I got irritated. Why? Because I had already planned my "relaxation" - sitting on a bench in the afternoon sun, scrolling through my phone while my daughter gets her "healthy quality play time."

The irony hit me hard. We came here to spend time together, and somehow, without even noticing, I had replaced that intention with screen time.

This got me thinking again about how phones affect our relationships. Sometimes it feels like this piece of technology works against our best interests. I seriously question if smartphones, with their whole ecosystem, are actually good inventions. Every time I'm near my phone, it's like entering a losing battle - there's literally an army of people behind it using science and design to keep us glued to the screen. (And yes, I'm guilty of contributing to this as someone who helps bring digital products to life.)

Here's what's fascinating: studies show that strong social connections are a major factor for our health and wellbeing. Spain, where I live now, tops European life expectancy rankings largely because their culture emphasizes family bonds and community gatherings.

This brings me to an interesting innovation challenge: How might we design technology that strengthens rather than weakens our human connections?

Some questions I'm exploring:

• What if mobile apps were designed to maximize real human connections instead of screen time?

• How might digital technology actually facilitate stronger social connections beyond the screen?

• What would business models look like outside the attention economy?

As a small act of rebellion, I put a sign on our bedroom door today. It's a reminder to my wife, and myself, that I want her full, undivided attention, even if just for a little while before the day ends.

— Yarmo Covich