Food will never satisfy the need for healthy relationships and spirituality in our lives. I believe Primary Food is where it all begins...

Yes, I agree with this and feel that people get lost in their day to day "obligations" by going through the motions. So many people fell overwhelmed by outside stresses....making enough money to pay the next bill, spending quality time with their loved ones, much less making enough time for themselves by eating properly and getting their physical exercise! Nowadays when people have "down" time they find themselves in front of the computer relating to other people through these mass means of communication. This is not necessarily healthy, and it is up to the individual to take time to create balance in their own lives to achieve their optimal health and happiness! When people do not take these actions they end up "losing it" which then creates an imbalance in their primary foods, and they fill voids with unhealthy behaviors.

Yes Kris! So true! Our lives within our primary foods must be in balance 1st and foremost and then our foods become secondary for our overall health and well-being!

This is a reallly interesting concept and I do think that there is truth to the fact that connecting online is sort of like eating empty calories. When you connect online, the same intimacy of a personal connection is not there and it feels completely different.

What a great parallel.. I would have never made the connection between human interactions and expanding waistlines so thanks for that!

I twitter and facebook but it's no replica for real relationships. On occassion, it does help facilitate a new, real-life relationship. I tweeted with a reflexologist then went to meet her and had tea discussing our practices. It was a lovely connection.

That said, follow me on Twitter @MPfennighaus and maybe we'll meet in person one day!

I agree about the crazy need for fast computers, phones, connections and it doesn't fill the need of being with a real person. People just want more more more and it is like eating empty calories. Very good point.

There are some good points in the article above but online connections can be of some value too. I was in bed for a year and my connections through email, and online forums were a true blessing.

I completely concur with this article; in fact, I am not a huge fan of social networking tools as they lack the intimacy of truly interacting with another human being and reading their body language, tone inflexion etc.

I read an article recently about the millenials being super challenged in the area of authentic communication as they've grown up on this "fast food" lifestyle of tweeting and texting, but yet they lack the social skills to navigate everyday situations. Social networking really does feel like consuming "empty" calories and I love the parallel betweeen that and binge eating. I beleive awareness is the first step towards finding a solution and thanks for drawing our attention to this thought provoking article.

The Social Media can be a wonderful way for families and friends who live far apart to stay connected. The key is moderation in all things, whether diet or online connection. Relationships are nurtured in the best way when done in person.

I think this is a very interesting concept. I have a FaceBook page myself and I notice at times that I am drawn more to it when I feel distracted and disconnected with the world. I update my status in the off-chance that other's will "Like" it to just so I can feel a moment of connection to another person, to feel that we at least have a similar opinion. I agree that we are a genreation starved for attention and connection with others. Social media sites have made it very easy to connect to many people at once however it is the quality, not quantity, of relationships that makes us whole people.

I agree with this article so much! I never really thought about the social networking part as being the same as eating empty calories, but it is so true! I found myself posting things on facebook just to get reactions or trying to get reactions. When they wouldn't come I was really upset, until I realized how ridiculous I was being, its just a social network!! I feel like if you can get more in tune with those that want to have real conversation with you it will always be more gratifying and put you in a better mood. Also with food if you eat those foods you know are better for you and give you that nutritious energy and healthy high you always feel better!!

I agree that there is something lost in all this social networking, and machine based interaction. The Human element of energy exchange when two or more people come together will never be duplicated. We loss the ability to use our instincts, that gut feeling, our, all knowing when we are sharing the space with one another, that exchange of energy that occurs in a simple hand shake. I believe we need this, to feed our souls.

Yes I agree with point and can actually see it happening in my own life. I work/ live in a rather secluded situation, lacking personal contact. I totally see myself on Facebook and sending texts, then expectantly checking them several times to see if I have gotten a reply. Whether I do or not I am left with some level of disappointment. Either i didn't get a response/ acknowledgment and I am left feeling alone. Or I did and it just wasn't fulfilling. I am left still feeling empty.
Very interesting reflection. Thank you.

I find this article to be very timely for me. I am in my twenties & everyone always talks about facebook & twitter. I see my coworkers are all on their facebook pages at work. For me, I feel like it takes you away from the moment. I enjoy logging onto facebook to connect with old friends, but I always feel like it entrances people.I don't understand why people go to social gatherings, restaurants, ect. and stay on their facebook. Their heads are down into their phones & they are oblivious to their "real" surroundings & possible connections. Much like this, I find that people eat fast to not think about eating. Their thoughts wander to something and they mechanically push a meal into themselves. When people take the time to slow down and enjoy what is happening in the moment, whether it be spending time with a friend or savoring that single bite of strawberry, I believe they will find the joy inside themselves.

I feel when I am updating my status I am looking for recognition, significance and a connection to this crazy world. I get insight and reflection of who I am, when I see what is written and how people reply to my comments.

When I update my status I am looking for recognition, significance and some type of connection with this crazy world. I get reflection and insight to a part of who I am, by the way people reply to me. Sometimes, I even loose sleep over what someone has written. That sounds so pathetic and sad. I am generally an extrovert, but with a busy schedule and very little time for socializing, even with my husband, I have become someone I never wanted to be. By answering this question it gives me pause to think, and to see how crazy my life has become.

I do agree that for some people facebook and twitter do become "empty calories" My motto has always been everything in moderation. I use my accounts like mail and for my business and then personal. I dont clog up the airways with games and telling people what I just did every minute. From my experience those are the people who get hidden. I do worry about this generations ability to connect face to face though and constantly talk about it with my kids.

Unfortunately many people do use their computer for companionship, however, thre are instancs in which you can start what becomes a beautiful meaningful "in person" relationship on these sites. I guess what I am saying is...
moderation
moderation
moderation!!

Really become aware of your actions, and if you fnd yourself getting consumed by technology, take a break!! It is up to each and every one of us to educate the ones we love as well as the ones that request our teachings.

Social Networking is a tool and nothing more. It seems that people complain about it often these days. It's just a tool and you are in charge of how you use it. It is not good or bad in itself. I think its common sense that FB will not replace you spending time with your friends, but it also keeps you more connected those times you just dont have another option. It can be used to feel more connected to the friends you have and create more opportunities for a personal connection, or you can get complacent and use it as your only social outlet. It's up to the individual what they want to do with it.

I think people are just so busy now days & don't have time to eat or socialise. I think that no matter what part of our lives it is people are time poor & are constantly looking for quick fixes. Just like we get take away instead of cooking real foods, we chat on line instead of making the effort to go out & actually see people. This is due to so many outside pressures from so many different area's in our lives, we have so many demands on us now days that it seems almost selfish to stop & have some self care, like just cooking for ourselves or seeing our friends!

Wow I never thought about it this way but that makes a lot of sense!!! There is definitely a connection between not meeting our Primary food needs and our waist line!

I am always considered the odd ball when people find out I do not have a facebook page, I do not leave my cell phone on, and It does not even have a voice mail. I do not leave my computer on and I do not run to my home phone when it is ringing if I am in the process of doing something else. I would much prefer to have a "date" with a friend for a walk, or lunch or tea. I feel there is a lot of "connection" time people spend on line etc. when they are missing, or avoiding the presence of what is around and with them physically.

What you said about moderation is key. Social Media can be like a snack food - good for a little; harmful in large quantities and in absence of all other foods. I believe that social media is connecting the world in new ways and it is better when real in person relationships bloom after the connection.

When I walk down the street, I make it a point to walk slower so I can observe where I am and make eye contact with my fellow walkers. To top it off, I smile when eye contact is made, usually they smile back. Connection! A very good feeling indeed.

An added benefit is to notice my surroundings, the colors and sounds are incredible no matter where you live or the season. A great way to release stress.

This was a homerun! I couldn't agree more.

I agree, the key is definately moderation (and balance)!

I couldn't agree with this idea more. Having a balance in the area of primary foods is the first step. Once there is a consistent balance, other areas of your life will become more natural and will fall more easily into place, including the food that we eat.

There is nothing like looking at someone's face as you speak with them. I'm not a big FB addict. I join in sometimes but I'd much rather give a call or plan a visit. Like everything else, I think it has its place but everything in moderation. I also agree that sometimes people are looking for relationships. Loneliness can be quite depressing and people living alone use these media to feel attached and belong to a group. Social skills are not divided equally and many people derive a sense of self-esteem from chatting on them.

Yes I agree! Facebook and twitter- its the social beat! People don't even meet for romantic relationships anymore in person! It's all through these sites and others as well. Where has the element of communication next to someone , not through typing but talking, gone? Im young and yes I love facebook and twitter but where are we to go from here is my question?

Kristin

I find the article spot on, and yet it is ironic to read the comments. I myself get sucked into facebook at least once a day. But think about what we are doing here on these discussion boards. We are actually doing a form of social interacting without any personal meeting. Of course, for this type of course it works! So, in many instances there is a benefit to cyber networking per se. However, there are negatives as well. My personal philosphy is that we will never achieve a state of perfection in this world. My goal is to help people achieve balance through moderation. It becomes more challenging because technology continues to change the way people work, relate, interact, eat, etc. Going forward, we cannot predict what the future holds, but it is our values and core beliefs that will guide us to making better decisions and cutting through all that is out there to cloud our judgement. I pray that I will have the strength and wisdom to help people do just that!

I feel that facebook and other connection sites are abused. These sites are good to keep in touch with friends and family but not good to build relationships or have meaningful connections that fulfill the need of the connection we so desire. I know without facebook I would have no way to keep in touch so easily with friends from high school.

i believe all of these sites are leading us to the way of the movie "Wall-E" which I find absolutely frightful!
No personal contact, no more interactions. How can you possible really get to know someone "truly"?
People can be whomever they want to be.

Great article! I agree with the comment above about moderation and that this is an important key. There are wonderful advantages to the social media--and technology has certainly brought some positive change into our lives. But I believe we need to constantly do our best to strike the right balance. As human beings, we have certain needs. It seems to me there is no substitute for face to face contact and personal interaction. Staying connected on line fills certain needs, and is a wonderful thing. But I don't think there is a substitute for the personal touch--a genuine smile, an understanding look, and a warm real life hug--and which says the same thing in every language.

This is an extremely important comparison/realization that is much too often overlooked by our Western and so called "civilized" society today - ironically a society which is also the most obsessed with health and physical wellbeing. This short reading along with the NYT article, "What are Friends For? A Longer Life," together reminded me of a TedTalk by Nicholas Christakis titled "How Social Networks Predict Epidemics": http://www.ted.com/talks/nicholas_christakis_how_social_networks_predict...

Enjoy!

I have often wondered *why* pages social networks and blogging have become such a trend in our society. And this post definitely makes sense. People want to feel connected. I know I have felt like I simply wasn't getting enough "Primary Food" in my life and reading about other people feeling the same way or adding comments like this gave me that little bit of satisfaction that you I was not alone. But if people simply use this outlet to project a false reality, I could see where it could have an adverse affect in one's life. So hopefully, as long as these trends exists, we can use them in a more beneificial way (like this one).

Thank you. I now realize why I was "losing it"(= I've been over eating lately and eating foods I would never normally put into my system. That filling the voids with unhealthy behaviors is a really powerful line!

I agree wholeheartedly and often wonder if today's youth will be underdeveloped in the art of assessing facial expression, body language and tone of voice. However, it's not likely that progress can be stopped. I'm sure the generation that conversed and interacted on their porch was as concerned about the telephone and TV as we are about texting and the internet. The solution is mindfulness and articles like David Rock's remind us of that.

I agree that we need to have friends and forge lasting relationships. We are so busy rushing from obligation to obligation that we dont make time for friends. I think Facebook is a good way to keep in touch with people But it can also lead people to say things and not be accountable for them. real relationships and friendships are found when we reach out and spend time with individuals either on the phone or in person.

Makes a lot of sense. People are becoming more and more disconnected from one another. When a baby is born they way it bonds with its mother is through human touch and interaction. We live in a world where everyone is in a hurry, stressed out and on edge. We have very little patience for others we come into contact with and find it strange to smile at one another as we pass by. I've experimented with this idea by randomly smiling to strangers to see who will respond and who will not. I find in most cases people find this behavior extremely odd and almost fearful or angry. Compassion, tolerance, patience and love for one another is what we need to feel whole and healed.

Perhaps this explains my need to facebook detox. A facebook detox is when I completely de-activate my account. I agree many social media users are seeking a real relationship. However, it would be near impossible to fill our relationship through fbook or twitter, sounds superficial and unfufilling. I think it is important to put it into perspective every now and again and just sign off.

Does anyone else see the irony in that we arer talking about social media being somewhat disconnecting from fact to face real interactions while we are on an online education forum?

Hi everyone, I am new here. And I'm a bit reluctant to jump into the OEM because I really want to prioritize my studies. I can't wait to get myt kit.

Nancy

Social media is a way to connect with those you wouldn't really have a chance of connecting with otherwise, it bridges to gap of distance and sometimes even time. Face to face conversations are by far the best way to interact with people in my books but when "time" is an issue for getting together, I'd much rather connect online than leave it until we can all have time to meet up. Everything in moderation I think.

So true Kim, there really is very little patience for others. I notice there are quite a few people that enjoy talking to others in elevators and such when the majority just keep to themselves. I like to smile at people on the street, sometimes they smile back, sometimes they don't :)

I think that people definitely do need more face-to-face interaction instead of sitting in front of the computer or TV screen. I think, though, that people feel they don't have the time to connect with people at that basis and Facebook/Twitter is a way to interact with your friends/family when your someone who feels they don't have enough time.

I really enjoyed this article - but think that as a society that we are now faced with this new-age form of communication, its not going away, in fact its probably going to become less and less intimate as the cyber-world creates more virtual ways for us to "connect". The question is....if this is your only form of friendships/relationships....will you constantly be hungry because you not connecting at any meaningful level?

I'm sharing this post with everyone I love.

Thank you!

- Jennifer