Readers React: Going out with our friends and our phones

To the editor: It’s an interesting dichotomy because the people surveyed by Rebecca K. Ratner and Rebecca W. Hamilton would rather avoid solo fun, yet many interact anonymously through social media. (“Why you’re better off going alone than not at all,” op-ed, May 29)

People today — mostly a younger generation — do their socializing using technology, even when in the physical company of acquaintances. Social connections are becoming more and more ephemeral because there’s a lack of physical interaction, which encourages a more profound relationship.

I’ve seen it numerous times in restaurants, where couples or families are sitting at a table, each individually engaged with their smartphones.

Therefore, if we encourage more solitary ventures, this might lead to more antisocial behavior or to a complete detachment from society, a direction it seems we’re heading due to our infatuation with technology.

Giuseppe Mirelli ,Los Angeles

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To the editor: Ratner and Hamilton are right: Whoever thought that going solo could be so much fun?

For the first 20 years of my life, my passion was playing baseball. Then life got in the way.

Then, through a unique set of circumstances, I found myself inside a baseball batting cage at the age of 78. I celebrated my 80th birthday by hitting balls at 80 miles per hour. My goal was to just get a piece of the ball. And when I hit the ball on the sweet spot of the bat, it was cathartic.

A few months ago I decided I’m not waiting until I reach 90 years old before I hit balls at 90 mph.

So, once a week, I take my three tokens to the batting cage and swing for the fences. As long as I can keep my eye on the ball, I’m guaranteed to hit a few home runs.

It doesn’t get any better than that.

Benny Wasserman, La Palma

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