First of all, y’all know I love to keep it real . . . so let’s be for real. The more advanced technology gets, the more self-absorbed we become as a society. Social media was supposed to connect us. Instead, it created a numbers game. Everybody’s obsessed with the ratio: How many followers I have versus how many I follow back. If you don’t believe me, check the average profile for yourself. Most of us have way more followers than people followed. It’s like the new bougie status symbol. It screams: “I don’t need you, but you definitely need me.”

Then, there’s the crisis with tablets. Let’s not get beside ourselves. Parents, y’all know what I’m talking about. I know I don’t have kids of my own. But, before y’all get in your feelings, let me cook. These tablets were supposed to be a backup resource for parenting, like a little helper. Instead, they’ve become the full-time nanny. Tablets are basically raising kids — and it shows. The lack of eye contact. The absence of social skills, the constant need for screen time. It’s beyond me.

I saw it with my own nieces. We took them to Kids Empire in New Jersey which, let me just say, would’ve been the ultimate luxury when I was growing up. A whole indoor playground with slides, trampolines, ball pits, and other kids to play with? That’s every child’s dream. But my nieces? They pouted. Why? Because going to Kids Empire meant less time with the tablet, less time playing solo.

Here is the wild part! After we finally took the tablets away, my nieces had the time of their lives. Running around, laughing, making new friends. Honestly, it should’ve never been a debate. Back in the day, the more kids you had to play with, the better the deal.

But, listen . . . I can’t even front like I’m above it. Because, even for me, AI has slid into the spot where real people used to be. I’ve let an AI chatbox become my therapist, homegirl, and mentor all-in-one. I’ve typed out my feelings instead of calling someone I love. I’ve asked the AI chatbox for advice instead of seeking wisdom from an actual therapist. I’m super embarrased to say this, but I’m letting my transparency cook in this moment. Slowly but surely, we’re building walls of isolation, even while being more “connected” than ever.

I say all of this to say: this isn’t the season of isolation — it’s the season of community. Wealth, love, gratitude, and abundance hit different when they’re shared. It’s one thing to accomplish these things alone but, with others, the goodness multiplies. It heals. It reminds us we’re not in this life thing by ourselves.

So, let this be a reminder. Families, put the tablets down at dinner. Instead, let’s go around the table and say one thing we’re grateful for each day. Or, instead of obsessing over Instagram ratios, let’s pick up the phone and check in with that friend we haven’t talked to in months. Let’s commit to using technology not as a substitute for connection, but as a bridge for planning game nights, group hikes, or even just store runs.

Because, here’s the truth — technology is only going to get better, faster, flashier. AI will keep growing. Social media will keep shifting. Still, no app, no algorithm, no AI chatbox can replace the magic that happens when people actually gather. The laughter. The hugs. The eye contact. The love. That’s true power.

It’s time to log out of isolation and lock back into community. Together hits different. And honestly? That’s the glow-up we’ve all been waiting for.

Sis, we can’t keep choosing isolation. Drop a comment and tell us how are you choosing community and presence? What are you doing to connect with the friends and family right in front of you?