Cause & Effect

I was reading something the other day I found really interesting.
A teacher shut his class down five minutes early and said he wanted the students just to sit and talk to each other.  Several tables immediately engaged in lively conversation.  The whole time using eye contact. 
At other tables students had to be told that no devices were to be used.  They had immediately gotten them out and navigated to their favourite games. These students on the whole sat sullenly with their heads down, avoiding the eyes of others, and saying very little.
While I think it is dangerous to generalize, there was a trend seen that can be seen in life.
Many these days are more comfortable with their own company than the company of others.  The problem is compounded the more the anti-social behaviour is engaged in.  I saw a documentary on this at its worst.  Young people would spend their lives on their computer and never emerge into the real world.
To me the thing about this it is learned behaviour.  It may have been taken to an unforeseen level, but everyone mimics what they see.  It is no wonder it is said “show me your friends and I will show you you.”  If those in the home, and friends, produce anti-social behaviour it is no wonder it is picked up, and the world is treated with suspicion.
I marvel when I see children on their devices, in shopping trolleys, in shopping centres.  I think to myself it is little wonder when I see parents walking with children with their head in their phone the whole time.
The person who instigated the school experiment suggested unplugging devices for a while and actually talking to students.  I think that is a good start, but I do wonder about its effectiveness.  Studies have shown that a child’s behaviour is its most formative very early in life.
Children mimic behaviour and if parents will not exhibit good behaviour. it will be learned elsewhere.  Many today are being taught life skills (or the lack of them) on their devices.
I believe that while most outside influences may change behaviour only one can change a heart.  While many causes may be good, none but one can change someone from the inside.  I can only go by my life.  I hold all loosely knowing that only one has made a difference on the inside.  I may not be as balanced as I need to be, but I know I experience a freedom, am open to further change as needed, and I’m heading in the right direction.