In today’s fast-paced world, listening to one another is becoming increasingly difficult. With so much noise, distraction, and information overload, we often multitask during conversations, checking our phones or thinking about what we will say next instead of actively listening to the person in front of us. This lack of active listening creates a latency in our communication, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and, ultimately, a disconnection from one another.

What is Latency?

Latency is a term used in technology to describe the delay between an action and its response. In communication, latency can occur due to a lack of attention, interest, or empathy. When we’re not actively listening to someone, we’re essentially creating a delay in our communication, where we’re not fully processing the information shared with us. Not listening can lead to a breakdown in communication, where the speaker feels unheard and the listener feels disconnected.

The inability to actively listen to one another fuels a more significant societal disconnection. Our world has become increasingly polarized, where people retreat into their echo chambers, only listening to voices that confirm their beliefs. This leads to a lack of empathy and understanding for those with different opinions and experiences. We’re becoming more isolated, both physically and emotionally, therefore harming our mental health and well-being.

Start Listening

We must start actively listening to one another to combat this societal disconnection. To effectively do this, we must put down our phones, turn off the TV, and engage in meaningful conversations with those around us. It means listening without judgment, genuinely trying to understand the other person’s perspective, and empathizing with their experiences. It means being present and fully engaged rather than thinking about what we will say next.

While active listening is a skill developed through practice, some people may find it challenging to engage in meaningful conversations due to underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. In these cases, psychotherapy can be a helpful intervention. Psychotherapy is talk therapy that helps individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment. Through psychotherapy, individuals can learn skills to manage their emotions, develop healthier communication patterns, and build stronger relationships with others.

Active Listening

Active listening and psychotherapy can work together to combat the societal disconnection plaguing our world. We can build stronger, more empathetic communities by actively listening to one another. And by seeking psychotherapy when needed, we can address underlying mental health issues that may make it difficult to engage in meaningful conversations. Together, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world.

How to Support Yourself

In conclusion, the latency of listening is a genuine and pressing issue in our society today. Our inability to actively listen to one another fuels a more significant societal disconnection, leading to misunderstanding, polarization, and isolation. To combat this, we must start actively listening to one another, engaging in meaningful conversations, and empathizing with each other’s experiences. And for those struggling with underlying mental health issues, seeking out psychotherapy can be a helpful intervention. Doing so can build stronger, more connected communities and create a more compassionate one.

Reach out to us to learn better ways to communicate with your employer, partner, or even your family. Contact us today to learn more. 

Jeremy R. Allen, Clinical Director
Son. Husband. Father. Veteran. Psychotherapist. 
www.frontrangefrc.com