Isn't it a near certainty that our lives are headed toward more dependence on technology? What is your guess of the impact of that increased dependence on the following: Attention deficit disorder? Listening skills? Critical thinking?
The data I'm seeing does not fill me with hope. In addition, my regular interaction with others dismays me increasingly. I've had conversations with friends who acknowledge a connection between their diminished attention span and cell phone use. I've also witnessed - as I'm sure you have - many of the impediments technology helps to create with respect to listening and conversation, a phenomenon Sherry Turkle expertly explored in her still startling book Reclaiming Conversation (2015). I'm alarmed by the rising rate of adolescent suicide, a trend many researchers attribute to the pernicious effect of ubiquitous social media. The implications of AI - especially in the creative domain - terrify me.
That said, my inadequate solution of near abstinence is complicated. First, it frequently puts me at odds with people, including loved ones. And in what is best described as an Uber-disconnect, I'm a blogger, for crying out loud.
Still, disconnect aside, despite my obstinate resistance to most technology, I'm neither advocating for a return to the horse-and-buggy era nor am I oblivious to the benefits technology has delivered. But I am deeply concerned where we are headed. Consequently, I'd sincerely welcome hearing from you. What are some practical strategies all of us can begin using to assist in putting Siri, Alexa, et al back in the bottle, at least from time-to-time?
Alan and I turn our computers off every Saturday evening at sundown until Sunday evening sundown. . It's our Shabot. Also, usually my computer is turned off before dinner--for the evening. It's a start. I'm also trying to only take 5 political actions daily--which includes phone calls, and petitions. That's it.
ReplyDelete"Anonymous"; Thanks for the comment. Your practical and easy-to-implement strategy strikes me as a great way to begin getting some control; it's certainly more manageable than my near abstinence. Here's hoping someone reading this can benefit from your notion. In the meanwhile, I'm looking forward to hearing from others. All of us need help with this.
DeleteI do not have any devices at meal times. Meals are for eating and conversation. Similarly - none in the bedroom unless they are there to serve as an alarm clock. (Luckily I rarely get calls, even junk calls, after 9:30 PM.) I also limit my screen time to 1 - 1/2 hours at a time unless I am creating documents in Word or watching an interesting interview or podcast. To me, that is a different type of activity.
ReplyDeleteInes; Thanks for the comment. In light of what I see all around me all the time in restaurants, and also what I've experienced in my own home when others have their phones face-up while we're serving food, I especially appreciate your statement that meals are for "...eating and conversation."
DeleteHey Pat. Interesting post and an interesting time for me to read it. Just yesterday we were having a very detailed discussion with our daughter and son in law about this very subject and how/when their sons, two of my grandsons, should get their first cell phones. My daughter recalled that she didn't get her first cell phone until she was a HS sophomore. And even then I'm sure I had reservations about it but not to the extent that they have now. I don't think there's much objection to the good that these devices can provide when used properly. But, the other side, the bigger and darker side of this, has become the much more important side and made for a much longer discussion. I am very glad to know that my daughter and son in law waiting for now due to the ages of my grandsons (almost 9). And they do plan on having discussions with them about these devices - the plusses and minuses. There's no getting away from eventually having them or one risks falling behind. They need to know how to use them, how to properly use them, how not to use them, etc, etc, etc, is a critical conversation. And while I certainly trust their judgement as parents, I had to add that I would not want to be a child in today's world. I believe there is a definite benefit to having known life well before these devices became a reality and having them now. I like having them. I enjoy using them. I can be somewhat of a geek when it comes to new technology. I don't fully understand it, but I like it - lol. But the potential for harm being done is something that has to be addressed properly.
ReplyDeleteOK - off of my soapbox now.
Be well,
Bob
Bob; Thanks for the comprehensive comment. I'm glad you're having that conversation with your children about how they will deal with this with your grandchildren. That's a good start. In the meanwhile, like you, I'm glad I'm not a child or adolescent in today's world, given the serious challenges all of them will face - sooner vs. later - as this dark and uncertain future unfolds.
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