6 Ways to Conquer AI (Artificial Intimacy) By Forming Real Connections

According to a recent Gallup survey, a quarter of adults worldwide feel very or fairly lonely.  In our digital age, the concept of intimacy has taken on new dimensions. With the rise of social media, dating apps, and virtual communication, we find ourselves navigating a landscape of "artificial intimacy."

Artificial intimacy is the illusion of closeness that can arise from online interactions, often without the depth and authenticity found in face-to-face relationships. It's the fleeting connection of a like on a post or a swipe on a screen, leaving us craving something more substantial.

While technology has undoubtedly enriched our lives in many ways, it's essential to recognize the limitations of digital communication when it comes to creating real relationships. The convenience of virtual interaction can sometimes hinder our ability to truly connect with others on a meaningful level.

It is important for “midlife marketers” who are changing careers to create meaningful connections as the process can feel very lonely at times.  When I was laid off, it was critical for me to connect and meet regularly with my peers who were going through the same thing at the same time.

So how can we bridge the gap between artificial intimacy and authentic connection? Here are six ways to help cultivate real relationships in a digital world: 

1. Prioritize Face-to-Face Interaction: While digital communication has its place, nothing can replace the depth of connection that comes from spending time with someone in person. Make an effort to prioritize face-to-face interactions whenever possible, whether it's grabbing coffee with a friend or scheduling regular video calls with loved ones who are far away.  I make an effort to schedule at least two networking calls each week over Zoom and am looking forward to a few in-person “coffee chats” this month!

2. Practice Active Listening: In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in our own thoughts and agendas during conversations. Instead, focus on actively listening to the person you're speaking with, taking the time to understand their perspective and emotions. This simple act can deepen your connections and foster a greater sense of intimacy. As an executive coach, I use this skill quite a bit and find that it’s so important for others to feel heard.

3. Share Vulnerably: True intimacy requires a level of vulnerability and openness. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Authenticity breeds connection, and by allowing yourself to be vulnerable, you create space for deeper relationships to flourish. 

4. Disconnect to Reconnect: In a world where we're constantly connected to our devices, it's essential to carve out time to disconnect and be present with the people around us. Set boundaries around screen time and prioritize quality time spent with loved ones without the distractions of technology.  While this can be difficult as many of us feel “attached” to our phones, I try to put my phone away during meetings and when I’m out to dinner with my family.

5. Foster Empathy: Empathy is the foundation of meaningful relationships. Take the time to understand and empathize with the experiences of others, even if they differ from your own. By fostering empathy, you create an environment where trust and intimacy can thrive.  

6. Find Community: Joining a community will give you the opportunity to connect with and learn from other "midlife marketers" going through the same career transition experiences as you are. You are NOT alone!  Now more than ever, there are too many amazing “midlife marketers” who need to figure out how to reinvent themselves. I'm curating my next group coaching program for like-minded "midlife marketers" navigating a career change. My pilot program was "sold out" in a week! Space is limited to a maximum of 6 participants. If you're interested in finding out more information, message me on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected]

Marni's Top 10 Favorite Marketing Jobs

Please check my LinkedIn profile activity daily for all of the job listings I share on an ongoing basis.

Dish, Targeting Attribution Manager - Opportunity to work with the amazing Jose M. Moreira!

Freshworks, Chief of Staff - CCMO

Hatch, VP Growth Marketing

ID Comms, Head of Growth

lululemon, Senior Brand Marketing Manager, North America

Lyft, Vice President, Communications

Papa John's, Director, Advertising Content

Qvest, Integrated Marketing Manager - Thank you Sarah Caminker Weiss for sharing!

Rain The Growth Agency, VP Growth

The Coca-Cola Company, Director, Customer Growth – GoTo Foods

About this Newsletter

As mentioned in Forbes, “A midlife crisis is defined as a period of emotional turmoil in middle age, around 40 to 60 years old, characterized by a strong desire for change.”  However, marketers begin their midlife crisis much earlier.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of a US marketing/advertising manager is 39.0, compared to 46.7 for all managerial roles.

While the marketing industry has responded to issues of gender, race, and sexual harassment, there continues to be no movement against ageism.  This issue has been swept under the rug, but it is very real.

When I was laid off from my job in advertising in my 30s, it was a dark and scary time.  I had no idea what was next for me and needed to figure out a way to reinvent myself.  I remember all of the people in my network who went out of their way to help me and those who let my emails go into “cyberspace”.  That experience made me realize how important it is to “pay it forward” to help other “midlife marketers” figure out what’s next in their career journey.  Life is too short to stay in a job that doesn’t align with your core values and connect to something greater than yourself.

This bi-weekly newsletter for “midlife marketers” (from new managers to senior leaders) has easy-to-read tips and actionable advice on ways to design your own career path, take your career to the next level and how to master the art of networking.  This newsletter will leverage my insights to help you navigate your career journey. Each issue will also include a curated list of job opportunities shared from my network of almost 7,000 marketers.

• Find your ideal career: Discover ways to find your dream career that aligns with your values, strengths and passions.  Learn how to manage career transitions and leverage your transferable skills to design the life you want.

• The art of networking: Learn how to build and maintain authentic relationships over time to find hidden job opportunities.

• Hot career topics: including designing a portfolio career, setting boundaries, dealing with ageism, imposter syndrome, self-care during transition, and more!

• Curated list of my favorite marketing job opportunities

About Marni Gordon

Marni is passionate about paying it forward to help marketers who want to thrive in a career they love. Marni is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a Certified Career and Executive Coach from New York University (NYU), and a Certified Group Coach from Group Coaching HQ (ICF Certified Program) with 25+ years of corporate marketing leadership experience. Marni has an extensive background creating community, networking, training individuals and groups, developing individuals in a variety of high-performance roles, and facilitating discussions to help clients uncover their own insights, action plans and accountability. Marni is a super connector and will help you become one too.