I am now quite enthralled with my little iPod, but do not own an iPhone or an iPad. The only Facebook I see is if I am looking at a tome on make-up tricks. The only Twitter I really enjoy is the one the birds make when Max goes out to feed them.
Today, too often the only communication we seem capable of is with our thumbs. On that note I would like to give a" thumbs up" to Charles Dickens, who penned this thought over 150 years ago. Could this be the ghost of Communication Present reminding us of Communication Past and cautioning us to be wary of Communication Future?
"Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone, who with their soul, encourages another person to be brave and true."
I do recognize the value in personal electronic communication. Otherwise you would not be reading this. However, would you agree that, given a choice, you would rather share time with a person than with a qwerty?
Do we always need to look for a better way - sometimes the old way is the best way. Young people communicating on Facebook do just that, communciate on Facebook, the older generation communicate on Facebook as well - but to arrange for a coffee date.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Mary. Hand held technology can get in the way of face time. I was visiting a mom in her home with my youngest yesterday. Our daughters only just met months ago and this was my first visit. She texted while we talked. Excused herself for a last minute conference call and left me her laptop to occupy myself while she was gone. Someone needs to write a Technology Etiquette column (or maybe blog).
ReplyDeleteExactly my thoughts, Mary. Enough is enough. We need to speak, to write, to feel openly and that is best done face to face. Of course, there is a place for technology, but along with every new invention, there should be thought given to its pros and cons. One step forward and two backwards is not exactly considered success, is it?
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