I may be the last man standing who has never owned a cell phone or hand-held computer device. For years I have railed against these Instruments because instead of the promise that they would free us to pursue more leisure/fun activities, they have actually enslaved us. We are never more than an arms length away from our smart phones; we don’t talk to each other at the dinner table anymore; instant accessibility has made it impossible to be where we are, because with every ring, beep, or vibration, we are invited to interrupt whatever we’re doing to be someplace other than where we are.
I am not a technophobe; I depend on my computer for business, but at the end of the day I shut it down and leave my office. I stuck to my guns and refused to be seduced by its conveniences; until several weeks ago…that’s when my world changed. Upon returning from Guatemala several weeks ago my computer died. For 2 weeks it was in a chronic state of repair and I was unable to work. I was frantic, incapacitated, felt so helpless I got angry I became anxious and depressed.
So last Sunday I bought the iPhone 6 S so I can stay in business if my computer fails in the future. Now the question is, can I not become seduced by its magic. I feel like a Star Fleet officer talking to the cosmos, I have instantaneous access to my business; it’s a flashlight so I can now read menus in dark restaurants; dictate messages, take pictures, make videos, get directions, and a sweet woman’s voice answers any question and supplies references.
The last man standing is now sitting; as I write I’m talking to my granddaughter while actually looking at her… I’m hoping I can turn it off.
No, Carl, maybe I’m the last man standing. I don’t use a cell phone and only carry it for emergencies, and it is an old one. I don’t have an i-pad, though my wife has one I can borrow if necessary. I just use this home computer, which I share successfully with my wife (which of course limits its usage).
I think there are both benefits and harm from all the high tech, as there is for atomic energy, etc. Just look how ISIS has used high tech communication, and how Ted Koppel warns us of the public safety risks from its potential sabotage.
However, I would never disparage its usage if it doesn’t detract from live interactions with people or in an emergency, like yours.
Stevie
Of course it is waiting moderation…you never have had the nuts to keep it real!!
Carl: I thought I was the last man standing…until 3 years ago. Now I’m hooked…mostly for the good though. Welcome to the connected world!!!
PS: I almost forgot…do you want to see pictures of my grandchildren???
Carl, I have been enjoying your Schlagbytes for a few years and I have enjoyed your visits to the country fair but this is the first time you have made me burst out loud in laughter. It reminded me of all the little tech steps I have taken over the last 10 years or so leading to my phone becoming a virtual body part, usually glued to my left ear or left hand.
Hi Stevie: Far less accepting than you, I long disparaged high tech as an unacceptable intrusion into my life. i am now eating those words as I find the Smart Phones unique pleasures, but I’m also careful to set some limits. Sending best wishes and blessings in this season of Thanksgiving. C. :O)
Send your cell #. You and Donna need to talk!
Welcome to the world of now!
Scott
I just love you and your entire family Carl. I have always referred to you …….. and I don’t think you know this and you may not even know what it means but it means something to me……As my Kapha Papa. You lead from the heart and love the world. I admire that so much. XOXOXOX
I am in a constant battle with technology. Not only does it cramp my brain but I am frustrated by the way it sucks our lives and our relationships. There is so much that is wonderful and necessary about technology and trust me I love Siri when I am driving in another city and she can guide me back to the airport in whatever city I am without having to look at my phone. But I become saddened by effects that I constantly observe of how it can disconnect us from each other. Relationship and love is our glue. Things start falling apart when we lose all of that. I think if we stay conscious of our tech usage we can be the master of it instead of it mastering us.
Big love to your and yours.
Clown on.