My son joined Facebook this weekend. He's 13...aka of Facebook age...and I honestly think it's more of a technological interest of his that hopefully passes. I say hopefully because it's something I'm beginning to think I need less and less of in my life.
I work in an office with no windows and 95% of the time, alone. It's what I've always referred to as my link to the outside world. My watercooler, if you will.
But on a night like tonight...and I'll admit I've had quiet a few of these nights in the past couple years...technology has put a sour taste in my mouth. My blog has become my main means to vent. And that's just when I make the time to log-in and do it.
Most of my time is spent hanging with the kiddos, but these first two days of summer break has been an eye-opener. They are stuck in this apartment so they have nothing better to do but...you guessed it...technology. Video games. Television. Crap. My youngest actually passed up the opportunity to go get a snocone tonight in order to stay home playing some stupid video game. Who does that? I was so baffled and thought she'd actually change her mind when we headed for the door, but she didn't. Next time, no choice. She's going.
I don't want them to turn into "those people".
You know the type. Heck...you may be the type. The kind of people who aren't there. Who, when family or friends call or come by, they are so preoccupied with the one-dimensional world, they don't pay attention. Or they just no longer make time for a phone call. When in a room with people, they're more interested in rudely carrying on a text conversation than a face-to-face one with people in the room.
If someone calls me, I answer. If I'm not with my kids or in the presence of someone else and you text me, I answer. If I'm with someone, I'll answer soon, but you definitely won't be ignored. And I do this NOT because I'm less busy than you. I do this because it's just what you do. Or at least, it's what you SHOULD do. I'm a busy as the next person (and believe me, I'm in no way glorifying being busy...we all are!), but I flat-out make time for those in my life (unless you yell and cuss at me, then not so much!).
I don't want my kids to forget what seems to be a HUGE thing missing in this world...communication. Not technological communication. Actually talking to someone. Making the time for them.
People don't pick up there phones anymore with a friend calls. It's disgusting. And I've been bad about it in the past, but have made concerted efforts in the last few years. Maybe because I'VE needed people to pick up, so it became evident to me just how important a phone call can be.
Regardless, for someone who has earned a paycheck due to technology...it's really punched me in the gut tonight.
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