With the recent release of the iPhone 5, and in light of the fact people camped out to be some of the first to get their greasy hands on it, I decided to focus this blog post on the Technology Trap of today’s society.

Nowadays, people don’t have to interact much in person. They can do business via email, romance with women on discreet websites, watch sports highlights and full TV shows on their smartphones, and read news via blogs and online service providers. There is no need for real connection any more. Men prefer to stay home and not risk rejection or expense by dealing with real women, and women would rather portray the illusion of an exciting life through facebook updates.

Are these people truly happy though? Human beings are herd creatures that are programmed to get the most satisfaction out of real conversations and interaction. I came to this realization again on Saturday, when we had a little couples’ get together at our place. It was an absolute blast! Good conversation, drinks and plenty of laughs (thanks in large part to some awful invention known as a Truth or Dare board game… you’re never too old for that).

So what am I getting at here? A virtual life may satisfy some portion of your human needs, but it lacks connection, compassion and empathy for those around you. Much in the way that show, Undercover Boss, puts a face to the name of the employees in these massive corporate machines, usually leading to the CEO looking into the mirror, and showing compassion for these hard working individuals, face-to-face communication offers emotional connection to others that can’t be had through a computer screen.

I’m as guilty as anyone, far too often turning to my smartphone whenever a dull moment comes up in my daily life.

But don’t let the virtual world become your reality. Break out of that trap, comfort zone, or whatever you want to label it as.

It’s not a fulfilling way to live.