d00d, CTO! It is EZ to IM, EM, go on FB or LI and post a SELFIE. However, NALOPKT, TMI and time on the PC can do DOT. People need to DC and spend more time F2F.
First of all, if anyone knows what I just wrote, please feel free to comment below. Now for the bold statement that makes people question my loyalty towards advancement. We live in a time where technology has replaced both positive parental guidance and the imaginary friend. Don't get me wrong, I am writing a blog, on the computer, to you... so I am a fan of technology and what it can do to improve the world. Let me explain by hitting the reset button and starting in at a simpler time.
It was any Saturday morning and the sun started peeking through my Raggedy Andy drapes. No one was awake, but I was surrounded by all my fluffy friends and action heroes. In the distance I could hear the birds yelling at their kids for waking them up so early. I had to be quiet so the door at the end of the hall wouldn't open and end this early morning adventure. As the fort began to take shape (blanket tucked into my desk and bed frame) the army of stuffed animals marched into battle led by Maxie O'Dulite my best (imaginary) friend. The battlefield was intense, Stretch Armstrong couldn't hold them back, and the Planet of the Apes monkeys were out of control. The smell of smoke filled the air. I made my way through the wreckage and uncovered the hidden exit. Mm mm pancakes. New plan! Go eat breakfast, talk with my family, and then play. Life was colorful, full of surprise, imagination, and invention. Now fast forward.....
I went out with my family and saw a table with a group of kids sitting around it. Each one had a cellular device and was either texting the kid next to them or playing a game. I watched for a while and no one looked up or interacted with each other. Meanwhile their parents were sitting in a booth away from them laughing, talking, and bragging about how well behaved their children were. Does anyone else see a problem with this?
When did electronics become our babysitter, friend, and means of social interaction? What effect will this have on these children when they have their own children? Maybe play dates will be webinars while parents text each other how clear the reception is. Like anything, too much of a good thing becomes the opposite of good. How can a child develop if the development has been done for them?
As parents we can start a ritual of NO ELECTRONICS for a day. Give both yourself and your children a break from things that do the thinking for us. Play games, use your imagination, read, go for a ride, look at shapes in the clouds, or fly a kite. Take a walk, listen to nature, have conversations, and truly listen to each other.
Technology is here to stay and it is not going anywhere, but it is going everywhere. It should be used as a tool to increase development, not cripple it. If you stack anything in one spot it will eventually topple over. Balance is the key to all success. It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to your comments and stories.
