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With the ever changing world of technology, there are gadgets everywhere. Look around and you will probably see four people having lunch together, not speaking or even making eye contact with one another. No interaction whatsoever. Thank goodness they are forced to speak, when their server comes by to take their order. Before long, these techie diners will not talk to the server, or even need a menu. They will simply text in their order from the online menu on their smart phones.
The family dinner table was once (and still should be) a place to catch up on everyone’s day. Going out for a family dinner was even more special. Today’s technology has the little ones playing games on their handheld gadgets, while their teenage sister enjoys the tunes on her MP3 player. Mom is playing Scrabble with someone in the next state, while Dad drives, and answers calls from his office – even if it is after hours. Although all these activities enhance our lives, sometimes advancements in technology actually impair human connection.
Skype is a terrific example of hybrid software designed to keep us connected, with the added feature of visual communication. What a great tool for grandparents who wish to witness baby’s first steps, when baby lives 1000 miles away. Also wonderful for business meetings and conference sessions with a client company across the country. Think back to the days of packing and mailing a sample project, waiting a week for your client to receive and request changes, while another week passed before you could physically see the adjustments needed. With video conferencing, all of this can be done in a matter of minutes.
It all comes down to that age old saying, “There’s a time and place for everything”. This is definitely the time of exciting advancements in hardware and software, just remember to take an “electronic break” from time to time.