There was a time in our not so distant past that we had
to wait for the mail to be delivered to find out what was going on beyond our
doorsteps or our neighbourhood. It could take weeks, months or even years to learn
of events in far off places.
A telegram, brought either good news or horrible news. The
same with a long distance phone call. Both were expensive ways to communicate.
Now, we live in a world of technology with virtually
instant communication. We can email, text and message almost anyone anywhere
and often get a response within seconds. We can watch live coverage of what is
happening almost anywhere in the world. We can get answers to questions on
practically any topic just by doing an internet search.
How much we embrace technology is a personal choice, but
it is really pretty hard to completely resist all that technology has to offer.
Some are in whole hog and have to have all the latest tech gadgets. Some give it
a wait and see how everyone else likes it. Some barely dip their toes.
My parents never owned an answering machine, VCR or a DVD
player. They only got cable in the 1990's. They were truly part of a fading
generation - back to a simpler time.
Some of my senior friends have jumped on the technology
train and love being on the internet.
We all know of at least a couple of people who do everything
on their tablets and smart phones - no cable connection, home computer/laptop
or even a landline phone. For them, it is all about mobility.
On the other hand, an acquaintance refuses to get a
computer or a cell but loves having some of the premium channels that cable TV
has to offer! They haven't got a recording device so they try to adjust a
social life around what they want to see!
To each, their own.
I've had cable TV since about 1980. I got my first VCR in 1987.
My first answering machine was purchased later the same year.
It was fall 2006 before I got my first computer. (I'm now
on my third one!) I got an mp3 player and a digital camera in the following
years.
For some reason, I've never gotten around to buying a DVD
player. I own several DVD's but just watch them on my computer. I'll probably
get one at some point, but it isn't a "must have" for me.
I got my first e-reader two years ago and love the
ability to adjust the font to a size I want. Not everything I want to read is
available in e-editions, so I still buy some books or use my library card from
time to time.
This summer, I ventured a bit further into the techie
world, as I bought a Kindle Fire HD. With it, I can continue to read books but will
also be able to keep in touch a bit easier via email and social media if I am
travelling. (I'll write more about my experience with the Kindle's in a future
post)
I've come a long way in the land of tech, but I certainly
haven't embraced all of what a true techie would want! As I expressed in my last post
(Unexpected Disconnect), I've no desire for a cell phone or a Blackberry. They
are so tiny that I really doubt I'd be able to use one effectively without
getting unduly frustrated with the screens and touch-pads. Nor am I willing to
deal with sorting out the complexities of various contract and payment options
for service. I highly doubt that I'd use it enough to justify the expense.
I've nothing against those who embrace the smart phone technology.
It certainly has its place in our modern world.
Unfortunately, with all of the advances in technology, the
art of human interactions and conversations seems to be lost on many. They
don't seem to understand that most of us don't want to hear their side of a
personal or business call while out in public. Or that there is real value in
talking face to face with someone, sending a message with more than 140
characters or ... gasp ... writing
and mailing a real letter in an envelope! This is becoming more of a challenge
as some schools aren't even teaching cursive anymore. Personally, I have a hard
time reading any cursive and my own cursive was always a disaster - but I digress.
Don't get me wrong. I love being able to communicate with
friends and family throughout the world with technology. I've used
abbreviations, emoticons and hashtags in tweets and messages.
As much as I love my technology, there is so much more to
life! Things to be experienced and learned beyond the tech gadgets. Just by
turning off the technology - even for a little while.
I'm not suggesting you revert to a luddite - only that
you step away from the electronics once in a while to see what is beyond your
devices of choice.
So, why not give it a try? Turn off the devices while you're
on the bus, in line at the coffee shop, the grocery store or in any public
place.
Slow down and take the time to observe your surroundings.
Enjoy the view, the scents, the flavours and the
atmosphere.
Have a face to face conversation with the cashier, the
server or with someone nearby. Acknowledge the person and don't forget to say
please and thank you.
You just may be amazed at how much better your day is
when you step back from the tech and observe and/or have a bit of conversation
with a real person. It may make their day a little brighter. You may make a new
friend.
The world is truly bigger and more spectacular than our
technology will ever be.
There is a happy medium between luddites and techies.
It's a balancing act - but so worth it!
dn
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