5 Minutes of Fame vs. Moments and Memories
I've always had this idea that technology was very isolating. Not to say that technology is a bad thing. Because it does have its perks, such as giving you a chance to meet new people, reconnecting with old family members/friends, or just being able to keep up with others.All good things must be done in moderation. But we have headphones so we are isolated and place ourselves in our own little worlds. We have personal computers, we have individual cell phones. I guess I am a simpleton. I like personality. I like hand written notes and feeling like a gift was really thought out. I like having conversations with people. I like hearing what you have to say. I will be the first to say that technology for me is not my best friend. I was ready to get a blackberry because I wanted simple... I wanted the physical keyboard (that's besides the point).....
So how does all of this relate to my title? Well I will tell you..... Our culture relies heavily on technology. We have an outlet on us everyday called a cell-phone. Anyone and everyone can get in contact with us anytime of day. We can post one picture or think of one status to post somewhere and get people's attention for a few minutes before we lose their attention, then we have to think of another catchy thing or nice picture or thought/quote to catch attention for another 5 minutes. We lose memories trying to retain them with constant pictures and staring at our phone. We're robbed of moments and memories as well as manners (as a friend of mine pointed out) because we stay glued to our phones and personal devices. The world is getting smaller and smaller because the only way we see it is through the screens of our devices.
Okay, here's what I'm saying: I'm not perfect. I'm guilty of these. My cell-phone has gotten me into trouble. I isolate myself with my music at times. Sometimes I pull my phone out or check it in the middle of conversations. So let's get better. Remember that outside of your phone is real people and real relationships. Remember to talk to people outside of Facebook. Pictures do capture memories but live in the moment. We can't have moments that take our breath away if we are not there living in them....
Over the years technology has become a huge part of our modern society/lives. With a lot of the technology we use it helps others to hide behind words that are not genuine or sincere and it disconnects you from what's real around you. Our young people become desensitized and numb to things that are significant ....In the coming years it will probably be harder and harder to limit our technology usage if it's not used in moderation.
ReplyDelete"Too much of anything is not always good for you"!
Technology can be a great tool if it used to positively affect us or our businesses. For example, stalking someone on facebook is not an indication of too much use of technology, its an indication of insecurity with oneself. If we don't use technology in moderation we won't see ourselves for who we really are or face fears that we shouldn't have.
I totally agree, technology is useful in many circumstances but it's about moderation!
ReplyDeleteWhenever I'm taking the public transport in my hometown Berlin, Germany, I realize how many people stare at their smartphone playing games, chatting, reading online news or checking their emails. Wouldn't it be a lot nicer to look into friendly faces instead? Surprisingly it is not just the younger generation, people of all age groups seem to be glued to their electronic devices.
I think the invention of the internet and now its introduction to mobile devices has influenced society on a more basic level than many people think. Now we have to start dealing with the effects the new technology has on our life. For sure there are many positive effects of the modern technology and totally turning back time won't be a solution. Today's kids are growing up with online technology and probably they will have a much more relaxed way of dealing with it as teenagers and adults than I have.
But nevertheless we shouldn't blindly buy into every technology trend, we shouldn't think that our doubts are just old-fashioned but instead take our concerns very seriously and engage in a broad discussion.
I for example think that the tendency to multi-task is hurting our performance as well as our pleasure in many cases. It's harder to do something of great quality if you don't fully concentrate on what you are doing. Most experiences are more intense if you allow yourself to really "live that moment". I don't think it's necessary to check the latest facebook news when eating out with a friend and I think we shouldn't have to be available for business calls when watching a movie Saturday night. We should allow us a decent amount of time were we aren't online - that's literally "off-time" to enjoy!