Has modern technology allowed us to become closer to those we are far away from, but at the same time distance us from those who are right in front of our faces?
Apparently yes. If you look around you, especially since the advent of the smart phone and tablets, you will be hard-pressed to find a couple sitting in a restaurant having a conversation with one another. Instead, the more common scene is two people sitting to dinner with one another but each looking at their respective smart phones. What is even more interesting is that both people are probably posting their date on Facebook or another social media site, instead of actually enjoying the date.
Technology addiction is on the rise, along with cell phone addiction. How do you know if you suffer from addiction to your mobile phone?
- When you leave your house without your mobile phone, do you run back and get it?
- When your mobile phone’s battery dies, do you desperately look for someone who has the same charger to plug into?
- When you reach into your pocket/purse and can’t find your cell phone, does a sense of panic set in?
If you answered yes to any of these above questions, chances are you are suffering from cell phone addiction. But is it really that bad?
The advantages to technology, especially smart phones, are the ease with which you can navigate about. Traveling has never before been so simple, with hotel reservations and restaurant recommendations all available at the touch of a button. Safety and emergency services cannot only be reached, but they can pinpoint your location now, which makes for the services even more efficient for your health and security. There are definite pluses to this onslaught of technology.
The irony is modern technology was created to bring people closer together in this global village. With the advent of internet and mobile phones, the world truly became smaller. However, in narrowing the distance between us and the rest of the world, we’ve actually widened the chasm between us and those living next door.
Cell phones have changed the way we behave in social situations. It has allowed us to have full control of every conversation and interaction with other people, be they family or friends. We want instant messaging with instant responses. We can lay out all our well-thought thoughts without any breaks or interruptions, and then sign off without waiting for a reply. It has changed the way we converse, the way we connect, and even the way we even relate to other people. It has made us more impatient and distant – is this really a good thing?
Addiction to technology, like every other addiction, does need to be dealt with seriously. There needs to be moderation in everything we undergo in life; technology is not an exception. Use technology wisely. Use it to stay close to those who are far away, but do let it drive a wedge between you and those you care about who are already near to you.
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