I sometimes have pause to think that I, like many of us today, fall all too easily prey to the ever-present lure of technology. One of the consequences is that the art of human interaction tends to take a back seat, and at some place deep within, I know that this is very dangerous.
Society used to be built on such principles as family, support for one another, and looking out for one another. There are still a few vestiges of this truth in small-town civilization, the places where people still don't lock their doors at night because they trust that others are looking out for them. However, in larger cities, where technology is more readily available, it's a whole different reality.
I remember thinking that kids growing up in metropolitan centres must really have had a hard time of it. They are more readily exposed to many more realities, some of which are good, but most of which are downright dangerous. Drugs, alcohol and various addictive substances used to exist mostly in places other than the 'here' and 'now' of life, but no matter where we live, the 'here' and 'now' seems to be catching up with us, and life is changing at a pace far greater than some of us are willing to admit or accept.
How do we combat the 'culture of death' which pays little or no attention to the value of life? This is a culture where life becomes disposable, and where human dignity is usually measured in some utilitarian fashion or another. Where are the voices that call out to the lost and the lonely? Where can we turn to for answers to some of the simplest but most profound questions of life?
Dare we admit that the starting point might be as simple as putting away the technological toys, and sitting face to face with another human being? Have we become so unfamiliar with the basics of human communication that the mere prospect of talking to one another without the aid of some gadget or another seems daunting or makes us cringe in fear?
It's still not too late to return to basics. Many of our elderly are extremely lonely because those who consider themselves successful by modern measurements have tended more often than not to put their stock in technology of one kind or another, and those who have not kept up with the ever-changing world of communication have often been left in the dust. What would happen if for even a few moments, we were to unplug the gadgets that clutter our lives, and dare to actually talk to one another.
The reward, I'm sure, would be well worth the effort.
2 comments:
...And yet, technology allows many people to stay in touch with family and friends... to support them through difficult times and share in their joy and successes. For instance, Facebook has given me the opportunity to rediscover distant cousins, learn about their lives and family, see pictures of them...
And technology does allow for you to share your many reflections....
This brings me back to a summer when we had the grid blackout. When it first happened my children, both in their teens and used to being on the two computers either playing games or chatting with their friends, both relished the idea of sitting at the kitchen table with a candle burning in the centre. We spent a couple of hours talking and then playing card games by the light of that candle. We bonded. And I believe all of the family will forever treasure that opportunity that was afforded us that first night without power. It was unfortunate for many to be without power... but it was definitely a blessing in desguise!!!
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