How ... to connect, face-to-face (in a virtual world)

Scenario No. 1: A husband and wife sit on their sofa, relaxing and watching a TV show after a long day. But instead of commiserating or using the time to catch up on each other, they're both busy live-Tweeting or instant messaging with friends.

Scenario No. 2: A college student recently met the boy of her dreams. Rather than learning about each other over coffee or countless hours talking on the phone — they chat via text message.

Scenario No. 3: Old friends post 180-character notes on each other's Facebook timelines over scheduling a lunch date to reminisce.

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? You're not alone.

Nikki Mathis, a senior at Cherokee High School in Marlton, spends about 28 hours a week on her iPhone. She uses the device for school work, staying in touch with friends and family, playing games and adding events to her calendar.

"Electronics make everyday tasks a lot more easy and convenient," says the 18-year-old.

"Communication can be done within a few seconds, and many school students and adults find electronics to be helpful because of their fast-paced schedules and lifestyles."

But some use their computers and electronics too often, says Mathis.

"I feel electronics can take over people's lives," says Mathis. "I wish more people would put down their phones, iPads and video games and actually interact with people."

In a world filled with electronic distractions, it is possible to connect more personally with family and friends this year. Here's how:

Meet with friends to chat. Make plans to get a cup of coffee or have lunch with a friend and when you arrive, turn the phones off.

"It is important to communicate with people face-to-face," says Robin Bilazarian, a licensed clinical social worker who works for Cooper University Hospital and at her private practice in Mount Laurel.

"We humans are social animals and react differently to eye-to-eye contact, tone of voice varied meanings and even light touch such as a handshake greeting. These are not utilized in more passive social media. Even humor, a crucial comic-relief technique, can be misconstrued in social media."

Make phone calls instead of sending texts. "If you send a text, follow up with a phone call," says Dr. Michael Colbert, Chair of the Psychology Department at Camden County College.

"Even though artificial intelligence is on the rise, we will always need to communicate with other humans."

Bilazarian says texting to communicate is "socially lazy" and done at the convenience of the texter.

"Communication skills develop through practice and recovering from faux-pas," she says. "Social media either eliminates this step or the feedback is delayed by hours or days, which interferes with learning."

Get active. "Go for a walk with family and friends and leave the technology at home," says Colbert.

Marlhene Michel-Valeus, a licensed social worker and mother of 6-year-old Adriana and 4-year-old Aiden, says she limits her children to watching TV and playing with their iPads to the weekend. During the week, their time is filled with extracurricular activities such as piano lessons and dance.

"They get social time with their peers and are learning new things," says Michel-Valeus, who lives in Mount Laurel. "The activities have good benefits like strengthening their social skills."

Spend quiet nights at home. "Schedule blackout times when everyone in the household is off all electronics for a period of time," says Colbert, who has been at Camden County College for 17 years.

During this time, families can make lasting memories by finding fun activities to do together such as playing board games, says Michel-Valeus. She also says it is important to have the family together for dinner as many nights as possible during the week.

"In our home, we turn off the television and do not answer the phone during dinner," she says.

"We sit together at the table and talk about the day or upcoming events."