Technology... it is both a blessing and a curse. Most people have a love/hate relationship with it. I wanted to explore some of the goods and the bads that come along with it.
Goods: Life sure is easier and more entertaining. If it was not for our societies advanced technology we would not have many of the luxuries that we have. Medical technology is advanced(ing). We are becoming smarter all the time because of technology. We are able to communicate with anyone, anywhere (including while on the toilet, you know who you are), and at any time. Conferences can be broadcast all over the world getting messages out instantly. With it comes new advancements that create more higher paying jobs. It entertains the masses, movies and television are better. Games galore exist that can both educate while be entertaining at the same time (or just entertaining). It is a beautiful time to be alive.
Bads: Boy oh boy is it distracting though. Texting while driving (or even worse, while standing in the line in front of me, move it already). Ever seen that family with 3 kids in tow and every single one has an ear bud in or is playing a game or otherwise distracted. How many of these kids are going to be living in mom and dad's basement for umpteen years, not while they finish college, but while they finish their quarter-pounder with cheese. Jobs that used to require people to be in the United States are now being outsourced at an incredible rate. I'm afraid someday my job is going to be taken by someone in another country and broadcast back to classrooms full of American students. If our books, clothes, and equipment are all made somewhere else, why not send the rest over there. The ability to get anything anytime and anywhere has killed our patience. Can't get it now, then why even go for it, has become a prevalent attitude.
Good and bad exist because of our advanced technology. Am I just an old person ranting for a return of the good ole' days? Absolutely not, I don't have patience to rewind anymore. But balance is required. I doubt any of us will ever regret not watching enough T.V. or reading crappy blogs (not this one, others) about pointless dribble, but there is of course a time and place for it. Take your kids on a walk, learn how to change your own brakes (a skill I acquired over the weekend), read a book, draw a picture, visit Antelope Island for 8 hours with your kids and hike, chase lizards and rabbits, and count the buffalo (another skill I acquired over the weekend). But also, take a few minutes and check the football scores, watch an inspirational video and cry (try this one on for size http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM) or laugh (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0-7EfR37Dg) or learn how the electoral college works (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUS9mM8Xbbw). Happy living.
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