Tech Detox

Maybe we need a technology detox.

Anthropologists have long been reiterating that people need to bond with each other, do things communally and socialize whenever they can. They say these are the ways our ancient ancestors maintained their well-being and ensured survival of the human race. Men then, hunt in packs and women take care of the household and children in groups with other villagers.

On the other hand, technology provided us fast, consistent, and immediate modes of communication. These modes however, vary greatly with traditional communication. These modes require no physical contact with the people we communicate with.

The gap between the traditional way and ancient way of communication made me think of the possibility that we are relying too much on technological communication that we should. That instead of enhancing human interactions, technological communication actually weakens relationship bonds. In an article written by Elizabeth Bernstein for the Wall Street Journal, she mentioned several signs indicating that our technology devices are hurting your relationships, such as when a person:

1. Can't get through a meal without texting or talking on the phone.
2. Looks at more than one screen at a time, checking email while watching television, for example.
3. Regularly emails or texts, other than for something urgent, while his/her partner or another family member is with him/her.
4. Sleeps with her phone near her, and she checks her email or texts while in bed.
5. She logs onto her computer while in bed.
6. She has had an argument with a loved one about her use of technology.
7. She texts or emails while driving.
8. She no longer go outside for fun.
9. She never turns off her phone.
10. When she spends time with her family -- a meal, a drive, hanging out -- each person is looking at a different screen.

My mom just recently complained about observing most of these things on us. After a little drama on her side, she made me come up with a decision to come home on weekends without my laptop and with only my cellphone at most. ☺

Entry No. 9