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The world feels like it’s changing at light speed, some for better, some for worse.

As I ponder the world and the many directions it’s heading in, mostly I feel confused. But one thing I’m sure of is people are spending more time on their screens, and less time with each other.

The average American spends 2.5 hours a day on social media. Those are 2.5 hours that used to be spent engaging with civic clubs now struggling to maintain membership.

That’s 2.5 hours we used to spend having coffee with friends, talking across the fence to neighbors, engaging with our communities and building connections. Digital technology has hardened our interactions. You can’t hear the warmth of someone’s voice in a text message, or experience their body language or the look on their face.

The nuance of human interaction has been sacrificed for the digital rabbit holes and echo chambers that form silos around our hearts and minds. I see it everyday.

I’ve noticed fewer strangers respond when I say good morning to them on walks. Less people wave as we pass each other on forest roads. I’ve observed more uncivil behavior in line at the grocery store or the post office. Less conversation, more texting. Less hugs, more emojis.

I’ve also seen the power of public lands bring people together. I’ve stood around campfires with foresters and environmentalists, who in the halls of social media are at each other’s throats, but find common space in the flicker of flames.

I’ve volunteered shoulder-to-shoulder with people who pray to different gods, subscribe to different ideologies, and vote so much different than me.

In 2024, the Siskiyou Mountain Club is aiming to harness that power and bring people back together, in person, through regular volunteer trips, hikes and outings, bonfires, and social events that bring our mission to more people from all different walks of life.

So open up your calendar, open up your heart, and stay in touch.