We are the generation with our necks craned down staring at our phones. New content has always been readily available with a few swipe clicks and taps. We simultaneously communicate more than past generations with our ability to send out our thoughts to anyone in the world through Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, while also avoiding the most basic form of communication, just talking to one another.

There are moments when conversations dip, and instead of facing the awkward silence, we check our phones. “Are there any new messages?” “Has someone snapped me yet?” “Let me share my thoughts on how awkward this situation is on Twitter.”

It has become easier to both hide and expose ourselves on social media platforms. Too often teens are spewing their thoughts and emotions online, hoping to reach and relate to teens they will never meet and never truly know, instead of the teens that are accessible and nearby. When PCNN spoke with PCHS students about communication, Trey Brown, junior stated, “I feel like we just have like dumb pointless conversations over the phone, but we’re not talking about like- I’m not trying to sound cliche or like ugly but, we don’t talk about what really matters like in person to one another, so like we dont really communicate well, or as we should.”

Now, don’t get me wrong. 2020 definitely made communicating face to face 100x harder. We were urged to stay six feet apart and use Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype to communicate and it has been a learning process for everyone. Friendships were able to fall apart as too much time passed between calls and texts, upholding relationships became challenging as it was harder to make these connections. 

This all sounds bleak and scary, but there’s an option that may be helpful to Panther Creek students. We’re Not Really Strangers has the power and potential to bring us closer together while opening up conversations. 

We’re Not Really Strangers is a card game that comes with a purpose. Their goal is to empower meaningful connections with the ones you love. There are four levels to follow and expansion packs you can buy to enhance the experience. These packs and kits include topics such as self-reflection, relationships, honest dating, breakup, and self-love. The cards include questions such as “What does self-love mean to me?” “What is one truth I have recently come to terms with?” These conversations are large and impactful and can be easily guided through the cards with your friends, family, and partner.

PCNN discussed different card decks with PCHS and asked which deck is the hardest to have conversations about. Aleena Islam, senior, stated, “I think social media has made it easier to have tough discussions on vulnerabilities and other sensitive topics, but there’s also a downside to it where it is more likely for people to say things they don’t mean or speak on things that may be harmful to others just because they feel like there’s no repercussions because it is online. I think the hardest conversations to have are on self-reflection because it’s difficult for people to reflect on themselves and what they’ve done and stuff that they might have done wrong so I definitely think that that’s one of the hardest discussions to have.”

Social media causing a hindrance was also expressed by Zack Miller, senior, “Yeah, to be honest I think our generation really does have a hard time communicating because on top of everything with like social media and stuff it’s just a lot different when you’re typing and talking and to compound that with you know, the coronavirus pandemic, being isolated for so long I think it really has had a negative impact on just, you know, our ability to connect with other people.”

The thought came to mind, do Panther Creek students need these cards and need to be having these conversations? PCNN asked “Do you think it’s hard to talk to others your age about vulnerabilities and emotions?” Vihaan Ambre, senior, said, “I think it is hard to communicate with others but emotions and vulnerability is because it’s just not talked about as much within the scope of our society to openly express the sorts of things outside of say a family setting.”

Don’t feel like spending money but still want to experience new connections? You can also get insightful texts from the company. As well as also see their quotes on their social media accounts, @werenotreallystrangers on Instagram, TikTok, and youtube, and @wnrstweets on Twitter.

PCNN reached out to PCHS students in order to bridge the gaps in communication and start a conversation using cards from the We’re Not Really Strangers deck. The interviews can be seen above in the youtube link.