In the glow of screens across coffee shops, dinner tables, and park benches, a paradox of modern life unfolds. We've never been more digitally connected, yet somehow, genuine human interaction feels increasingly rare. This exhibition, "Antisocialization," captures moments where physical togetherness and digital isolation collide—people gathered in social spaces, yet separated by the invisible walls of their smart devices.

The images before you document a subtle transformation in human behavior that occurred so gradually many of us barely noticed its progression. Friends sit in silence, scrolling through feeds of distant acquaintances. Families gather with heads bowed not in prayer but in allegiance to notifications. Couples share space but not conversation, their attention claimed by the digital world beyond their relationship.

What these photographs reveal isn't merely a new social habit but a fundamental rewiring of our social instincts. Research suggests that our devices trigger dopamine releases similar to those experienced in addiction, creating reward cycles that keep us returning to our screens even when surrounded by people we care about. The average American now spends over seven hours daily on digital devices—time once devoted to face-to-face interaction.

The consequences extend beyond momentary distraction. Studies show correlations between heavy social media use and increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The cruel irony is that tools designed to enhance connection often leave us feeling more isolated than before. We witness others' carefully curated lives online and measure our unfiltered reality against these impossible standards.

Perhaps most concerning is what we've begun to lose: the art of being fully present. Deep conversation requires sustained attention—the ability to read subtle facial expressions, to sit comfortably in silence, to follow a thought to its conclusion without interruption. These skills atrophy when we habitually retreat to our devices at the first hint of social discomfort or boredom.

For younger generations who have never known a world without smartphones, the impact is even more profound. Many struggle with in-person social skills that previous generations developed naturally. The nuances of eye contact, the rhythm of conversation, the patience required for understanding—these aren't instinctive anymore but must be consciously learned and practiced.

This exhibition doesn't aim to demonize technology—our devices have brought remarkable benefits and connections. Rather, these images invite reflection on balance and intention. They ask us to consider what we sacrifice when we choose the digital over the physical, the distant over the immediate, the many shallow connections over the few deep ones.

As you move through this space, I encourage you to notice your own impulse to reach for your phone. Instead, perhaps turn to the stranger beside you. Share an observation. Ask a question. Experience the mild discomfort and subsequent reward of genuine human connection—the very experience these photographs show slipping from our grasp.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​