# Making Connections - Proposition By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2026-01-24 In a world increasingly mediated by isolating technology and virtual reality, meaningful, human connections are rare and difficult to make and maintain. Isolation allows one to tailor one’s space to one’s preferences. Virtuality is easier than the hassles required for live interaction. Given the ease and comfort afforded by modernity, it is difficult to imagine why one would invest more effort to engage in something that is, in some respects, disquieting and inefficient. Why indeed. One reason many faced during the return-to-work phase of employment is that one was forced to do so. Compulsion might be a legitimate reason, but it isn’t a convincing one. Another reason might be that making real connections is an important part of being human. Seldom does a virtual meeting extend into a conversation. When dealing with each other in person, it is not uncommon for people to break off after a meeting, grab a cup of coffee, and discuss implications from what was being discussed. Growth requires placing oneself in situations that allow for its development. Such situations are unlikely to be comfortable or virtual. If functionality and efficiency reside on one side, across that divide resides growth and development. Making connections is an investment. Work can be reduced to the execution of tasks. From this perspective, little more is required than the coordination and efficient accomplishment of assignments. Work of this nature is bureaucratic. Transformative work requires more. It requires authentic collaboration. This is inefficient. It is real. Technology offers tools to facilitate this, but these things are only tools, and cannot replace the real without producing impoverished impostors. Those responsible for work likely prefer efficiency and predictability. Some workers prefer this as well. Those engaged in exploration or who are committed to progress will likely be dedicated to ensuring that the tools of technology do not foreclose making real connections.   #### Related Items [[Authenticity]] [[People]] [[Meetings]] [[Growth]] [[Efficiency]]