Sun, 16 May 2010

Personal Contact

I was using the self-checkout at the market today when I was struck by the extent to which technology is isolating us from personal contact. Even simple things like interacting with the teller is reduced. Have you been to a coffee shop lately? If you don't just rush in and out or even drive through, you see people, often sitting at the same table with their cell phones or laptops out texting to people who aren't at the shop. I have been in a coffee shop in the afternoon which was quieter than a library -- everyone on their laptops in their own little worlds -- the sound of conversation nonexistent. When we walk, we have on our MP3 players, isolating us from even the sounds of the real world.

My wife has proposed that everone should be unplugged for at least half and hour each day. Sort of a luddite period when there is no cell phone, no MP3 player, no laptop, no communication except with any real person within speaking distance of you. Even if you are alone, you can unplug and just listen to the sounds of real things around you. Take a walk and just walk. Don't text while listening to your iPod at highest volume. Go to a coffee shop with a friend and actually just talk to that friend rather than texting to another friend not physically present. Sit quietly and read a book or talk with your family without the media center blaring in the background. I think it's a great idea.

OK, there are times when I want to listen to a podcast while walking or hear that album while reading, but there should be a period each day when we just exist within the realm of our senses and the people and nature around us. When we are open to interaction with people, when we are disconnected from technology.

It's probably a bit ironic that I'm sitting alone at my laptop typing the blog and posting it onto the Internet, but, hey, I have to get your attention somehow. You can disconnect after reading this and take your luddite break for the day.

posted 13:55 [/Technology] permanent link