Technology Slavery

I love technology but am also getting sucked in by it.

We are becoming a society of always looking down, always checking screens. We are becoming mentally distant from each other, and forgetting who we are -- human beings with hearts that feel and minds that take time to think and ponder. I don't talk or shoot the breeze as much as I used to. I want to change that.

As a user of technology, I am losing the ability to focus or sustain thought on a single undertaking for an extended period of time. I am losing focus. I am worried about that.

With immediate access to virtually all information, we are losing the ability to ponder patiently. Great wisdom and insight can come from pondering.

I don't wonder as much as I used to, and as such my organic creativity is not as fertile as it once was.

When we split our attention on two task at the same time, it means we're doing two things poorly at the same time. On the other hand, sustained focus brings about genius, creativity, and meaningful problem solving.

Being swept away by the immediacy and lure of technology, we are not exercising enough, getting outdoors, and physically doing things. We are getting fatter.

We are not sharing our condition and trials with those around us, and not helping to heal each other and get healed. Instead, we are swept into comparisons, not just in pornography, but in wealth, status, physical shape, career, etc. This is unrealistic, unhealthy, and deleterious to inner well-being, recognition of authentic self-worth, and marriages.

I am not pondering in good books as much as I used to, not basking in poetry, but instead staring at screens that fade or lock, or go into screen saver mode. When I use screens I often spend more time monitoring the monitor than digesting the message.

I used to send physical letters to people. Letter writing took time and cost money, but the slow process brought about great meaning and feeling. I had to think things through. Now I can do it free, and send endless amounts of photos, thoughts, videos, etc., but my messages are not as significant or thought out.

May we remember to keep technology as a tool or a vehicle to live better lives, and not allow it to become our life itself.

Have a conversation with somebody, face to face, no devices, listening to each other, showing support, giving eye contact, and taking time to mutually rejoice in good news, plow through a concern together, or being the listening ears that help to unburden another's sad heart.

No matter how great technology becomes, I will never be able to download love, program a family, file share my affections, or buy an app for wisdom. Those take time, in person, and genuine caring and attention.