When I contemplated on the different topics that I'd post about, I began to shift the many indices readily available to my mind. After considering many topics that I could have possibly delved into, I finally settled into this one: Have we confused technological evolution with that of human evolution? Does technological evolution promise equivalent advances to the state of humanity shared by all in the world?
As I see it, we have an abundance of technology that appear to seemingly enhance the quality of life, especially those living in the Western hemisphere. Even now, as I post this I'm watching Stephen King's, "The Shining" being streamed for free (courtesy of Netflix) via my Wii device. Further examples of technology that we experience include the emergence of smartphones which allow one to access information and perform tasks that only computers were thought to accomplish at one time. I'm saying all of that to say this: it seems that we have somehow confused the independence that technology provides, and have transmuted and therefore internalized the mechanisms of technology as something that will enhance our human attributes. However, I want to give those reading a reality check: MY FRIENDS, TECHNOLOGY HAS DONE QUITE THE OPPOSITE.
I have never felt more un-human than to go onto a CTA train/bus to see that everyone is "plugged in" to some device. That no one is paying attention to each other...that it's almost a crime to make eye contact with a complete stranger...or to smile...or to be courteous...or to say hello to someone you don't know...ultimately to be human (or show human-like qualities) is not ok.
I in no way am saying that technology is the cause for the human disconnect, because we humans create the technology that we enjoy and experience. However, it is a shame when technology serves as a wall that deflects true human interaction and genuine human experience. Ideally technology should enhance the human experience, not replace it. I can personally recount plenty of times being at the movie theatre, at a restaurant, or at a musical performance, and instead of enjoying the full experience of what was to come, I'm instead pre-occupied with who commented on my FaceBook status, who mentioned me on Twitter (including re-tweets), or who's texting me on my cell phone. Sadly enough, there are those who wake up first thing in the morning, to reach for their phones or go online to maintain their constructed "cyber worlds" at the expense of their own waning lives and uncultivated relationships.
So now I ask you, where do you fall on the technological spectrum? How does technology serve you? Does it serve YOU? Or are you a servant of IT? Does technology help you to express your humanity? Or is it merely a medium which dictates the way you interact with others? I actually wonder if the disconnection that technology has caused actually make us more human because there are so many similarly disconnected people? What do you think?
After reading your Post, I can understand where you are coming from but I don't abuse technology except for playing my Zoo Game on FB, which relaxes me a lot. I rarely text on my phone, I don't tweet, my cell phone barely rings except for emergencies and I only Skype to see my Grandkids that are located in another State, But as for me, technology is a plus...if it was not for technology I don't think I would be communicating as much with my children out-of-state as much as we do living this distance apart. Even though it can never replace in person, but when that's not possible, you do the next best thing. So thank you technology from a non-abuser!!
ReplyDelete"To whom much has been given, much will be expected" or as Stan Lee put it " With great power, comes great responsibility". Tech is something we should be more responsible with. I wouldn't say that it enhances the human experience but it does make things A LOT easier. So right now tech serves me, BUT because it makes things easily attainable I, like others, find myself slipping up and serving it. Thats when you have to be responsible and and say, "Hey I'm going to Borders to buy a book instead of Amazon".
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'm addicted to the technology that is provided for me! I use it everyday and if something were to go wrong with it I would be pissed..... But, there are times when I take a break from it because I do infact feel like I'm a servant to it. I know its important to stay connected to people and this is the best way to do so but sometimes its important to take a break! Plus, its a choice each person can make in regards to staying connected in the tech world and in the real world..... Maybe dont listen to your ipod on the train all the time.... Talk to the old lady at the bus stop.... Dont update your twitter when youre bored or when in awkward situations..... Live in the moment..... I try to do that to stay attached to real life!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled acros your blog via one of my FB friends...talk about the convergence of tech identity. Your post is very on point! I had a very similiar revelation years ago when I began using ATM debit cards. For many years, my parents refused to get one because the thought of not interacting face-to-face with something as personal as financial matters bothered them. Fast forward to today, where we live in a "virtual" world, engaging through media...I myself can only take so much. I will not do another social media page, I will not tweet unless its for business purposes and I refuse to use a digital reader.
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