Automation is not a new concept.  For years, factories and business have been trying to find ways to rely more on technology and less on direct human involvement. 

>Automation (noun):  The use of a device or system that works with little to no direct human control

![turn-on-2933016_640.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXM4HnXvf1cwrTtmkkXC7VRc6SJxizqGiXxVF7QLEkWwa/turn-on-2933016_640.jpg)

<h1>The Benefits of Automation</h1>

I see several benefits of automation.

<h3>1.  Greater efficiency and effectiveness.</h3>
Efficiency speaks to the idea of maximizing productivity by reducing wasted effort and expenses.   Effectiveness describes how successful something is in producing the desired result.   Automation has the potential to achieve both.

Repeated steps receive laser-focused attention and a standardized response.   Gone are the days of varied, inconsistent workflows that slow done and prevent progress.

<h3>2.  Reduce Human Error.</h3>

To err is human.  The nature of all human beings is to make mistakes.  High automation in a workflow removes unnecessary mistakes.  When we remove the human element from a processes and systems, we eliminate error of thought and errors in application. 

<h3>2.  Reduced Costs.</h3>

In the world of businesses, where profit is the bottom line, companies will invest in automation today to gain future rewards.  Automation helps trim the fat and boost profits. 

With increases in effectiveness and efficiency coupled with a reduction in error, costs will not only be managed but minimized.   

In the end, automation saves money because people cost money, lots and lots of money.

<h1>Automation Is Destroying Our Relationships.</h1>

Have you noticed how we keep removing humanity from human interaction?
- We need media to be social.
- We make friends online, but we can't be friends with our next door neighbor.
- We spend hours on our mobile devices chatting while sitting silently next to our family who is doing the same.
- We spend hours snapping photos and taking videos that will be stored on the cloud (for posterity sake) while neglecting to live in the moment.

<h3>Relationships are not meant to be effective and efficient.</h3>

I believe that effective communication is important, but we need to make sure that we do not take great steps to sterilize our relationships with other people.  Some of the best and meaningful moments in life may seem like "wasted moments" if you are only focusing on effectiveness and efficiency.   

Imagine an "efficient" world without the countless hours of giggles, the enchanting stories that have no beginning or end, and the daydreams of a better future for ourselves and generations to come.  Yes, the world indeed would be more efficient without these vital human interactions, but it would be dull, dark, and dreary as well.

<h3>The human experience is a celebration of our strengths and weaknesses.</h3>

We have strengths because we have weaknesses.  We make mistakes because we are imperfect.  Our imperfection is a touch of our collective humanity with a splash of our individual character.  We need to battle against the injustices of the world, but we should embrace the flaws that make us "us."

We should not remove the "human error" that makes us human and connected with those around us.

<h3>Relationships are about give and take.  Sacrifice is required.</h3>

While there are parts of life that require balancing budgets and saving resources, our interactions with mankind should be filled with sacrificial giving.  Cutting corners on filling up someone's love tank will not lead to happy and fulfilled lives.  

We need to think of our relationships more as an investment than an expense.  We give with the hope of seeing growth in another.  We give to make a difference and be a change agent.  We must give freely and lavishly because other people matter.

<h1>Final Thoughts</h1>

We need to stop automating our relationships.  We need the messy, inefficient, spaghetti-style life that makes life wonderful.  We need to connect in meaningful and practical ways.  And as hard as it might be, we need to disconnect from the automated, technology-laden world that we live in (even if just for a moment).

I want to hear from you.

1.  Do you find it difficult to disconnect from technology?
2.  How do you stay connected with people who mean the most to you?
3.  Have you ever considered taking a break from technology for an extended period of time?

Thanks for stopping by!

<h1>@SumatraNate</h1>

---

Image Source:  https://pixabay.com/en/turn-on-turn-off-energy-power-2933016/