Comments on: Are you tuned in or tuned out?

By: Irene Doniger

Irene Doniger — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 11:54:49 +0000

Loneliness is now an epidemic. While digital connection can be a help, there is nothing like personal connection. “Talking groups” are now being established between younger folks and seniors and the engagement in life of both is dramatically increasing.
I do join some of the internet laughter clubs and they are helpful. Nothing like going to an in person experience. I whole hardheartedly second Jeffrey and Teena’s posts. Getting involved as a laughter leader saved my life and changed it radically 18 years ago.

By: Teena Miller

Teena Miller — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 00:54:21 +0000

I have been experiencing the same public social interactions or lack of engagement for quite some time. It happens in public not always in family functions or attending public events. I, myself wonder whether the lack of social connection is intentional or simply a moment in time of social isolation in a very turbulent world.
Speaking only for myself it is definitely NOT my desire for isolation nor lack of engagement. I have made the choice to engage, to be socially acailable while traveling to and fro. It is my choice to acknowledge those around me in social settings. I chose to NOT be socially isolated.
Statistics today point to the suicide rates increasing, to mental health illness numbers increasing. I make the choice to engage, to reach out. Even tapping the person with ear buds in- reminding them to be cautious and aware of their surroundings while traveling and then point to their ear buds.
I have made the choice to Smile at others to see their Smiles and to Laugh with others, even total strangers on planes and buses- that is me.
I do not encourage isolation and in my own style and manner encourage all to think, Smile at, and warmly include others. What the public chooses to do with my acknowledgements is entirely their choice.
You wrote an excellent article Alexa and I applaud your big caring heart.
Warmly, Sister to Sister in Laughter.

By: Jeffrey

Jeffrey — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 20:42:15 +0000

Thank you for this message, Alexa. The importance of face-to-face contact, with inherent considerations for aspects like “personal space”, and observations like: pupil contraction, perspiration, “glistening in the eye”, vocal inflection, etc. – point out the value of Laughter Club “in-the-flesh”, and the limitations inherent in any kind of electronic/digital interface (such as “Laughter on the Phone” and “Skype Laughter Clubs”). Electronic-interface laughter experiences may have virtues (just like drinking “Tang” or “Gatorade” may provide a few select nutrients), but they can’t compare to laughing in the physical presence of other human beings (or drinking fresh-squeezed orange juice from organically grown fresh fruit). Perhaps this explains why Yours Truly has no interest in promoting digital laughter clubs (via Phone, Skype, etc.), while I am (enthusiastically) eager to have there be more social laughter clubs, with real live participants, worldwide.