I have a love-hate relationship with technology. I was raised in a house full of the cutting edge technology. Whatever was available, my dad had to have, or rebuild, or create. He is a very talented man when it comes to technology. I get frustrated with how technology can be used, such as social media that spews hate, ignorance, or falsehoods. I get frustrated by the rudeness and distance that technology can cause. In the store there is far less interaction, and almost complete oblivion to the real people around them. One time I thought some lady was asking me where the bread was, just as I was about to tell her, I realized she was talking to someone on a phone. It breaks my heart, when people are with real people out eating, or taking their kids for a walk, or playing, and they are completely distracted by their phones. The amount of people missing their real life because they are recording it, is so sad.
On the other hand, I am so thankful for technology. I am thankful I live at a time in history where it is easy to stay in touch with people. A quick email or message and you can re-connect. As much as a handwritten letter is awesome, an up to date note is so great. I love how easy it is to stay connected to my son who lives 14 hours away. I miss him much, but knowing I can send him a message, or call, or even facetime and see him, makes me so thankful for technology. I like to hear people’s voices or see their faces to see how they are really doing and today’s technology allows that.
The ability to find information is amazing, yes sometimes overwhelming, but still amazing. It is easier to research ideas, places, products, whatever, by just hitting enter on the computer. Or for some with more advanced technology than me, the sound of their voice asking the question. So many debates have been ended much quicker because of technology. Being able to look at products or books or whatever and order them has been something I am so thankful for. I have lived in three rural places without too many stores near by. It has been so nice to be able to do shopping online and have items delivered to my door.
Sometimes I wonder where some of my friendships would be without technology. How would my life be different? I am thankful that we have chosen as a family not to be too connected to technology (mostly because we continue to live in places without cell service), but I am thankful for what we have, and how they help keep relationships close that might be difficult to keep up. I do believe the good outweighs the bad and the ugly. There are so many more opportunities to show kindness and hope in the world we live in today, but just like with any invention throughout the ages, we have a choice of how we use it, and how often. I am so thankful for the connections that technology allows me to information and to relationships.
Inkblot Life 