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.
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