December 23, 2018　=========

☆  obstacle  障害

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An obstacle is something that makes it difficult for you to do something. It can be a physical thing, such as a gate that is locked, so you cannot enter the area you need to go in to. However, it can also be something in your mind or something less concrete or specific.

For example, in terms of relationships, have you ever thought of your smartphone as being an obstacle? I recently read a book about the impact of smartphones on our relationships. In particular it talked about teenagers having more “connection” with people, but less interaction face to face. In other words, for teenagers, smartphones are actually an obstacle to deep and meaningful friendships. Why? Because compared to ten or twenty years ago, research found that teenagers tend to stay in their room on their own and use social media, rather than meet up in person.

What do you think about this? Is it a similar situation in Japan? Are smartphones an obstacle to real connections and relationships in your life?

Bye,

Chris