Has Technology Made Us More Out of Touch?

Oftentimes my friends and I ask one another; has technology made us more or less in touch, more or less sensitive to one another? Usually some current event sparks our insightful discussions. We always come away with, people have always been the facilitator of acts of kindness or the cause of pain; technology is a platform used to positively or negatively impact others. The ability to hide behind a screen and say what we would not say when face to face with another human being. So we surmise the up-tick is our use of the technology that is part to blame for our being out of touch with one another.

Unfortunately media has learned that they have our loyalty by fulfilling our appetite with the misbehaviors and misfortunes of others; even making some of these people stars. We then model after these stars and adjust our behavior to attract attention. It’s a crazy cycle. Take a look at today’s headlines. Which ones have tops views? Look at search engine rankings and our choices of entertainment; which ones are the most popular? It is no wonder that we are becoming more insensitive to one another. Especially now that technology can deliver these messages in real time and we’re plugged in 24-7 for work, school and pleasure; being over saturated with messages that don’t always positively edify us.

A couple of years ago, exhausted by more information than I wanted to ingest, media’s trite portrayals and the demands of being plugged in, I purposely chose to start unplugging throughout the day. I’m a calm natured person; so most mornings, there is no radio, television or computer turned on. Just peace and quiet-I love it. It allows my spirit to listen and talk with God. It’s how I tune in to what is truly happening in our world and those around me. Once I am plugged in, it is with awareness.

I am always intrigued when a group of people get together and how many have their heads down typing on their phone. Don’t get me wrong, I think technology is great, but like anything we over do; it can be un-healthy.

In an effort to maintain the strong bond with family and friends I won’t let them text me. Every so often I still get a little push back but once I reiterate why, they understand. The phone and Skype are great for talking! If they want communicate with me they have call or I do let them email me (some of us live in different time zones); if the email requires a quick-brief response. I did that because talking with one another, hearing your voice on the phone or sitting face to face allows us to be tuned in; more than what you could type in a text. We can pick up on tone, expressions and body language which helps us be sensitive to one another and mindful of how we treat one another.

Case in point: my niece just called while I am writing this blog. She shared with me that she was selected to attend a social behavioral conference in Italy. It was a wonderful conversation. We talked about her trip, upcoming graduation and this blog. So I asked her, which expression meant the most to her, hearing my excitement on the phone or if she had read it in a text? Her response, hearing it!

So, I ask-how plugged in are you, your kids, friends and family with one another? Do you know your neighbors, their names? How often do you talk with one another? No, texting does not qualify as talking.

Do share Follow me on Twitter; I want to know your thoughts: has technology made us more out of touch?

SiloamPool is a Singer/Songwriter from Detroit, MI. Learn more on: www.SiloamPool.com