If you really sit back and think about how technology has evolved over the past 20 years it will blow your mind. I grew up with Nintendo. At that point and time we were on the cutting edge of technology having surpassed the Atari. Now those games that we once thought were so cool are put to shame by games and gaming systems such as the PS3, XBOX 360 and the Wii.
My first memory of a cell phone was a bag car phone. Now we have phones that are not only much smaller but they are mini cameras and computers as well. Computer monitors and television sets have decreased in size yet have increased in visual effects. Gone are the days of paying with cash even at fast food restaurants and vending machines. Banking and shopping are done via the internet. People no longer make phone calls to see how someone is doing or write letters for correspondence but rather text and e-mail.
Facebook and Twitter capture our time and attention as we use them as ways to express ourselves as well as to keep track of family and friends. It amazes me that we live in a society that wants to keep their affairs private yet through technology we put ourselves out there for all to see. We say that we don’t but we have hundreds of friends or followers on our social networking sites and then get upset when people comment on our status or pictures in such a way that we don’t agree with.
When we are angry, sad, happy, sad etc… we rush to our social networking sights to quickly make that information available. Not only do we make it public knowledge how we are feeling but we make public our location and the reason for us being there. Very rarely do you see someone in a public place when they are not communicating via text messaging, phone call or mobile web. After all this is the technology age. I am not opposed to the technological advances because it is just a part of the world we live in. However, I would caution us to be careful what we share. It seems as if we are more bold, open and honest when using technology then when we are having face to face communication.
Although we are living in the technology age let us not forget to take a break from it all and have some human contact without typing, scrolling or dialing. I to enjoy technology as I very rarely hand write anything. Much of my work is accomplished through e-mails, text messages and phone calls. However, it is still good to hear an, I love you face to face and to share your feelings with someone and see their reaction holds great value. In conclusion I would encourage us all to stay on the cutting edge of technology as we need it in this 21st century to keep up with evolving times. Yet let us be ever mindful to take time and share those God given emotions that we have with those around so that they do not become numb. Just a few thoughts.
