When people rely on technology to connect with other people, it limits their level of happiness, the kind that only happens in face-to-face encounters (and I don’t mean videophone to videophone).
Traveling around the United States brought to my attention the very pervasive use of technology virtually non-stop. It seems that people are afraid of losing touch with their personal and business contacts OR are so addicted to the devices that they go into withdrawal when they can’t use them.
Ride the subway in the Washington, DC area to witness that separation between people. Most people are on their smartphones or iPads. People rarely talk to someone in their presence or in the immediate vicinity.
Some restaurants post notices prohibiting the use of cell phones.
Have you ever seen a group of friends (I call them friends because they come and go together), each on a cell phone talking to someone who is somewhere other than them!
While flying across the country today, I noticed people talking early in the flight, you know, during the takeoff period as the plane climbs to cruising altitude and you can’t use electronic devices.
Upon reaching cruising altitude, most people fell silent as phones and computers were turned on throughout the plane.
No. Not all people, many people.
During the last half hour of the flight, again when the electronics are turned off, the buzz of conversation can be heard.
Interesting, yes?
Technology keeps people at home meeting people from across the country or the world. How many people talk to or even know their next door neighbors?