Nadia Idriss Mayen: Passer-by

Early Wednesday evening, I walked outside with a colleague of mine to get some fresh air after a long day of writing and editing video reports; I sat next to an employee of the company and nodded a hello. We started conversation on our roles and the departments we work in when he said, “You always pass by my desk.”

I felt quite terrible knowing for months I passed someone without even acknowledging his presence. His statement caught me off-guard as I honestly do not recall ever seeing him.

I want to blame technological advancements and social media domination, people are usually too distracted by the fast-pace life to realize who or what they’re surrounded by, and to take a moment to understand or appreciate it.

Moreover technology and social media sites have become crutches, and have deteriorated our communication skills – we have started to lose grasp on maintaining a conversation without having some gadget to fiddle with.

How many times have you walked by people but didn’t notice because your nose was buried in your iPhone? Or perhaps missed a chance to have a quick chat with someone because you were in the middle of instant messaging your friend who’s just around the corner? Or email work during a cup of tea with a friend because it just can’t wait?

I realize an hour later this person who I never noticed walked in the room only to sit a few meters away from me. Should I blame my concentration on my work? Or is it because I’m always deep in thought I never notice who passes by?

(Nadia Idriss Mayen, Executive Producer of Web TV at Al Arabiya English, can be reached at: [e-mail])