Photo Courtesy: Google Images
Earlier Today...
I was sitting in one of my favorite restaurants to go to for lunch earlier today - a nice spot downtown owned by a couple in their sixties who had owned the restaurant for 40 years. Though it was a spot that had been around for a long time, I was always impressed with the crowds present - varying greatly in age at any time of the day. I had become acquainted with the owner, Bruce, about a year ago, and we sometimes held conversation about changes in the town, weather, and so forth. I finished my food and walked to the register as I had many times in the past, and as I was signing my receipt, Bruce mumbled "what a waste..." under his breath. I looked up at him and asked what he was referring to, and he quickly pointed out two separate younger couples who had taken tables in the far end of the restaurant. He told me that they had barely exchanged words with one another since they had been there, and when he went to take the order, two of the four didn't even look up from their phone to speak to him. "It's baffling to me to watch these kids sacrifice valuable moments of developing communication skills on those things, what do they think is going to happen in 20 years when they are completely disconnected from reality and can't even maintain a conversation?" I looked back and agreed with him while realizing that I am often one of those people who spends the majority of my day staring at the small LED screen. However, it was time to go, so I politely wished him a good day and headed back to work.
As I got back to work, his comment lingered in my mind as I noticed that literally 80% or more of those I saw in my office were on their phones already - some playing games, some chatting with friends, and even a few using it as a resource for work (imagine that!). Maybe this is just rambling that won't be noticed, but recognizing just how much of the average person's life is controlled/stored/recorded by these devices made me slightly afraid for the future of our people. Bruce was right when he said it was a waste - sure, it's undeniable that these cell phones we use every day have many benefits towards convenience and efficiency, but how much usage is too much? I fear that too few people ask themselves that question, and one day we will all suffer from it. As I thought more about it, it became clear to me that chronic cell phone use was not only an addiction (and one that should be treated as such), it was also a crutch for people to avoid social situations. Just think of how many times (this week alone) you have walked by someone, either at school, work, the park, or otherwise that has quickly raised their phone out of their pocket during passing, simply for the purpose of not feeling 'awkward' about not speaking to you?
It's weird.
Photo Courtesy: Google Images
None of this seems natural to me. I'm all for the advancement of technology to increase the efficiency/convenience of our lives, but at what cost? Constantly subjecting ourselves to cell phones and the media outlets that are contained within not only cheapens our ability to communicate, but also hinders our ability to develop new relationships. Why have the serious/emotional conversation that you know you need to have with someone in person when you can just do it from home on a screen that blocks out most of the difficulty, but also drains your words of their sincerity?
Pictured: Play Date in 2016
It's also frightening to me when I see parents effectively allowing these devices to almost 'raise' their children. I can guarantee you know more than a handful of parents who let their child hang on to a tablet or something similar for hours on end simply to distract them. Now, I'm not condemning every person who provides their child with an similar electronic device, but those who still can't wrap their mind around moderation. It's just not a safe way for your child to develop, not to mention the obvious detrimental impact that popular media has on their pristine, little psyche.
Pictured: Detrimental Impact
In Conclusion
With all that being said, I won't take up any more of your time. Thinking about this inspired me to consciously put my phone down for 20 minutes, breath in the fresh air, and then go straight to my computer to rant about the negative impact these devices can have on us. If you feel the same, give me an upvote so that more people can read this and maybe take a break from their phone as well.
Thank you!