It seems that in order to avoid any uncomfortable small talk with strangers, young people, and adults, too, will resort keeping their eyes locked on their phone screens. Whether they’re sitting on a bench and someone sits next to them or standing in line trying to avoid eye contact, people will find a way to avoid talking with someone they don’t know because they figure it may take up their time or they will lose interest in the conversation. I noticed this trend and decided to make an attempt at breaking those invisible barriers we hold against ourselves to protect our personal bubble.

I toured around Elmhurst, Chicago, and other areas across the Midwest with my camera dangling around my neck. I would try to look as approachable as possible, and without hesitation, I would ask the individual who sat by themselves, “Excuse me, may I take your portrait?” Some would nod yes, asking where I’m from and what the picture is for. Others would say no or simply ignore my presence and brush me off like an insect.

After these encounters, I would discover more about this individual than I have asked — and that, I believe, is what can change our social interactions. By looking up from your phone every so often and saying hello to your neighbor, you can learn something new about someone every day. Therefore,  it is imperative that this sort of interaction takes place in your life, so our generation isn’t stigmatized as constantly being stuck to our phones on the daily.