So true. I was a big proponent of technology for the last thirty to forty years, always out in front, showing my friends and family what could be done. But I see some things that are decidedly not constructive. We clearly see the double edged sword that is technology. I have begun to wish there were no cell phones. I love having the world at my fingertips, but seeing a family of four at breakfast in a hotel I was staying at, all with their faces in their phones is a disconcerting sight to me.
And I think there is a destructive aspect to it, not just the cultural and societal, bu the governmental. You summed it up nicely.
One of our own, LS, is writing a book about technology and its effects on society both good and bad.
We need an app for that! I was watching Shark tank the other night and the “Invention” was some sort of light gizmo to inform your partner in bed next to you that your are ready for some randy... hmmm if that wasn’t bad enough, the dude wanted the shark money to make an app...
Like why not roll over and ask...hey honey...wanna have some fun? No...gotta go to the phone app...might as well consult the magic eight ball...
Technology? Some things are cool like slide outs on an RV...Big Screen TV’s are pretty cool for watching sports and what not...
Other things? meh...
And I think there is a destructive aspect to it, not just the cultural and societal, bu the governmental. You summed it up nicely.
One of our own, LS, is writing a book about technology and its effects on society both good and bad.
If a telephone rings I can let it ring all day if I don't want to answer it. Another person in the nearby vicinity is much more important than the cell phone connection that is disturbing others or is causing others to be slighted and ignored.
I have literally been on individual phone calls for ten hours straight coordinating restoration of service. The worst time was facilitating service restoration for American Express around its tragic losses on 9/11. I have been on conference calls with numerous locations around the world.
Phones, TV and data processing means nothing in the grand scheme. It isn't magic. We do not have to let technology make us slaves.
I will look for Larry's book when he completes it. I actually cannot wait to see his insights.
“...but seeing a family of four at breakfast in a hotel I was staying at, all with their faces in their phones is a disconcerting sight to me.”
Yes, a very sad and common sight. Basically describes most of society nowadays — addicted to small screens. Some folks may try to deny it, yet it’s true.
When I started this, I thought it was a problem, but not a “big” problem.
After months of research, I am surprised and scared. Smartphones have changed the behavior (for much worse) of an entire generation called “iGen” born after 2000-—depression and suicides are skyrocketing; distracted driving via phones is a menace (despite seat belts, air bags, a reduction in drunk driving, fatality rates haven’t moved . . . due to cell phones/distracted driving). So far with two exceptions, every study I look at is a warning sign.
And just wait for the chapter on gaming and the Asian cultures and tech!