I truly believe the “i” in iPad, iPhone, iPod etc stands for “isolation”. Use one of those items and you’re transported to your very own iLand – isolated – from your surroundings and those nearby.
Isolation is not good. Isolation is not healthy.
We’ve allowed technology to divide & rule us. Years ago it was the VHS vs Beta, then CD vs DVD vs Blu-ray. Now it seems to be iOS (Apple) vs Android. And don’t tell me you haven’t touted the “superiority” of your choice because, well, I’m not buying what you’re selling…
When & why did posting pictures of your location, drinks, meal or whatever become more important than the person or people sitting across from you? It’s as if people tend to their “Facebook life” more than their “real life”. That’s just sad.
Oh, don’t get me started on the “social media influencers” that are all over Instagram & tik tok…geesh…
Anyway, back to isolation…
When your nose is glued to your phone you’re missing out on what’s happening right in front of you. You’re isolating yourself. You’re not participating. You’re just not “present”. You are a ghost. And probably not a friendly ghost either…
You’re also an addict. You’re addicted to the “attention” your posts receive. What happens when a post doesn’t receive enough attention? You feel depressed, alone…yup, you got it – isolated. So, what do ya do? You try another post…and another…and another and spiral ever downward. The “blue screen” that allowed you to briefly escape the “real world” and “real problems” has become a one way ticket to your private iLand of iSolation!
Don’t get me wrong. I love that technology brings us together. I love Facetime and Zoom calls; especially during the pandemic due to COVID. Facetime and Zoom allow me to see my family – from Texas, to Washington, to Illinois and North Carolina – they all appear on my screen here in Oregon. Ain’t nothing better than “live” conversation and seeing them all.
That couldn’t happen without technology.
If used correctly, technology is a powerful tool.
All I want to say is this…
Take control of the technology available at your finger tips by…
…limiting everyone’s screen time
…posting “reality”; not only “what you want others to see”. Or, take a break from social media for a day, a week etc…
…putting your phone down, going outside and looking around- even for just a few minutes every day.
…decorating a box to hold phones during meal periods and keeping that box far away from the table. No exceptions. That means your phones too mom and dad!!!
…scheduling family meetings. Asking mom & dad about their day. Asking the kids if anything exciting happened ; you may be surprised by what you may learn.
Dan’s View 