Gray. Rainy. So dark when I got up this morning I thought it was much earlier than it actually was.
Is anyone on LinkedIn? I am, and for the life of me, I can’t see that it has done or will do anything for my career. The same people link up with me there as do on Facebook. They already know about me. And why does anyone have to ‘endorse’ my skills? What is that all about? I’ve listed my skills on my profile, I’ve linked to my professional website, my resume speaks for itself. In fact, it looks to be just another thing in a series of things I have to maintain…this blog, my website, MHC’s Facebook Page, LinkedIn…Oy.
It reminds me of those assignments that teachers used to give us that we would call busywork. Remember? You knew it accomplished nothing and you certainly weren’t going to learn anything new – the teacher just wanted a time filler. Heck, I’ve done that as a teacher. LinkedIn seems like busywork that accomplishes nothing.
Another in a series of activities that can make us seem busy and productive but are really time suckers.
And what about this sort of thing: close family members informing you of life-changing news (like a pregnancy) or asking something very important of you via Facebook? I speak from experience on this one. It has happened to us. I love my nephew but the only way I found out that they were going to have another baby was because I happened to be on FB that day. My sister doesn’t go on Facebook very often, so she had no idea. What if you don’t follow Facebook every day? What if you aren’t on Facebook at all – like my father? What ever happened to a personal phone call? Or a handwritten letter? Lord knows, I am not a great letter writer, so I would most likely use the phone, but if I was sharing BIG news with my immediate family, I sure as shootin’ wouldn’t do it via a status update on FB. Now, I’m talking about life changing news here – not everyday kind of news.
Emily Post would be rolling over in her grave.
I’m not a stickler for etiquette, by any means. But everything is getting so depersonalized in this world that I am getting increasingly more concerned about a younger generation who seemingly doesn’t get it. They are so attached to their cell phones and their texts and their hash tags that they know of no other way to communicate.
Am I the only one that finds hash tags (#) annoying and, frankly, silly? They look ridiculous to me.
Don’t get me started on those who must tweet throughout the experience they are having instead of actually having the experience. How can they possibly be in the moment? Please don’t write a status update about where you are, with all sorts of hash tags added for your tweet, and expect that to substitute for the real thing. And DO NOT TEXT DURING A LIVE PERFORMANCE. Beside the obvious fact that texting pulls you out of the moment, it is rude. When I’m standing in the back of the house and I see little blue screens lit up, you can guarantee that your fellow audience members can see them. As can the performers.There’s more than one theatergoer who has had to deal with me on that one. I will stop you.
There is so much that is valuable and wonderful about the Internet and cell phones and all that kind of thing. I wouldn’t have this blog without the Internet. I wouldn’t know all of you. I experience its value on a daily basis. But they cannot take up every waking moment of our lives or the lives of the younger generation. Lots of texts. Lots of tweets. Lots of FB Status Updates. It all equals a lot of “sound and fury, signifying nothing.” They are artificial ways of filling a day. Walking down a street with one’s head down, constantly checking the cell phone or texting – I see it all the time. It makes one seem to be important and busy and have a lot of friends. But if you can’t look up and meet someone’s eyes who’s passing you on the street, or notice a striking bit of architecture on the building you’re passing, or hear the sounds of the city or simply stop and have a conversation with someone face to face, you’re not really there. You’re in a bubble.
I’m convinced this is the reason there has been a resurgence in handcrafts of all kinds. Doing anything by hand requires time; time not tethered to a computer or a phone, time with one’s thoughts, time. You can’t rush it. You can’t really multi-task. You just have to work on your project and be. And lots and lots of younger-than-I-am people are doing it. Thank goodness. That gives me hope.
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Speaking of handwork, I’ve been quietly adding garlands to the Etsy shop. I don’t always have the opportunity to post about them, so if you’re at all interested, keep your eye on the Etsy widget in my sidebar. I’ve added 3 garlands in the past few days and two of them have already sold.
Happy Tuesday.
You and I are on the same page with this one, my friend. I hate cell phones for that exact reason. Mine is rarely on so plus I don’t give it out to people except my best friend. But we talk on the phone instead of cells. Tweets? Don’t even get me started. Linkedin? I get invitations all the time for that, but I just delete them and throw up a rule in my Mac Mail to have them deleted.
I much prefer to live life instead of facebooking life. I have an account with a fictitious name simply so I can go on to see my grandkids and that’s it. I don’t have anything on my account at all. And, as you say, my own daughter has posted stuff on there that makes me cringe. :-( It’s embarrassing for me to read! I tell no one about her FB page.
Enough said as far as I’m concerned.
xoxo,
Connie
You’re a girl after my own heart, Connie!
I’ve been in restaurants and seen every member of a family at another table on electronic devices, instead of talking to each other. What’s the point in eating out with others if you’re just going to stare at a little screen?
There’s a commercial out right now for a cable company and the woman says “We can all be on our own devices (meaning cell phones, tablets, computers, etc) and be together as a family.” Huh?
LinkedIn seems to be great for somebody like my brother. He has a management-level corporate job, and with so many companies in peril or flux these days, his hundreds of LinkedIn connections and various endorsements may come in very handy should he need to seek another position someday.
For me, though — unable to define exactly what I “do” — LinkedIn seems pointless. And although I’m considering a business facebook page, I definitely have no interest in a personal one (even though sometimes I think I need one just to see what my grown-up kids are doing (or is it better that I don’t know?)). It’s a family joke that no one can ever reach me on my cell phone. And Twitter? Just No.
And sometimes even the online stuff that I usually enjoy (reading blogs, posting on my own, updating my website, visiting Ravelry and now Pinterest) can seem like too much of a time-suck at times. That’s why I totally got your recent comment about how wonderful it is to sit down with a good old-fashioned book!
I agree – I think that’s why I’m not on Pinterest very often – too much of a time-taker. LinkedIn is not great for me. I work in the theater and get all my jobs by word of mouth. Theaters are not going to check LinkedIn for references, they are going to ask other directors and theaters for a reference. I’m glad it works for your brother, though. It helps to know that.
This is and will continue to be my pet peeve, Claudia! I am sick to death of devices, and with the people who think it’s important to waste the time telling the world you just ate a sandwich. As for the “I can do two things at once” travesty, my blood pressure goes up just thinking about it. FACT: When you text while driving you are no longer driving…. you are texting, period; when you go running or walking with a cell phone in your hand you are no longer anchored in your environment or landscape…. you are IN your cell phone, period; when you have a camera in front of your face the entire time you’re travelling or at a family gathering, you are no longer enjoying the experience first-hand…. you are separated from it by the barrier of your camera, period. People who think they are ‘connected’ when they use their devices couldn’t be more wrong. In fact they are utterly DISCONNECTED from their surroundings and from the moment. Period. Amen. (File under: “Don’t get me started’) xxx
You are clearly passionate about this one, Haworth! Well said.
Thank you, Claudia. Living in a college town, I am routinely surrounded by young adults who cling to their ‘phones as they walk along as if they were a lifeline. I read a magazine article the other day that said, “When you go out with your friends, put your phones in the middle of the table and the first one who’s tempted to answer a buzzing text or ringing call pays for dinner.” And I found myself asking: Why are you bringing your phones with you to dinner with friends?? The implication is “I’m here with you now, but if my phone rings or I get a text, that will be more important.” I’m sorry, but unless you have left a baby-sitter at home with your children, or are expecting to be contacted by someone who is IN EXTREMIS, turn the darn thing off and put it in your jacket pocket or purse and BE with your friends. A revolutionary idea, I know…. HAHAH
Claudia – Got my garland this weekend while I was out of town. LOVE IT!! I definitely like the ribbon with it. You will be seeing it soon in one of my posts. Just adore it. Thank you so much my friend!
My grandchildren know I have a rule: when they are with me, they are not allowed to use their iphones, text, etc. I feel like if I take my valuable time to spend with them, take them out to dinner, etc., the least they can do is put those dumb phones on silent for an hour or two. And they have learned the hard way that I mean it. One night we were sitting in a restaurant and two of the three were on their phones and I just got up and left. They got stuck with the bill.
And I guarantee you that it hasn’t happened again! Some may think that’s kinda tough but it sure taught them a lesson. And they learned quickly and haven’t forgotten it yet!
Have a great day!
Judy
That’s a great rule to enforce, Judy. Good for you!
AMEN. I have a FB account that i Inever use – refused linked in and connect and anything else out there. I text if I HAVE to and barely use my cell. I don’t want to be able to check my emails all day, or see where everyone is or what they are eating…It is not an “age” thing. I choose to limit the technology in my life. I use the internet a lot as you know and have many long conversations via home phone with family and friends. Email is wonderful though I do not use for invitations and thank you’s ( which I still send every time) because it is rude and lazy. Skype is a life saver for me- warding off depression in missing kids. My dad always reminded me that complaining about the younger generation is a sign of age lol..but in this case it is not about age, I know gals our age who email and do pinterest on the toilet….always with the comment that they are soooooooo busy. Manufactured busy is not busy.
So once again Claudia we agree and march forward as a dying breed whose lifestyles and attitudes about quality of
life may be a course study one day…just like the aproned housewives with afternoon martinis before us….sigh..maybe it is about age because it makes me feel old sometimes…..
I do use FB – to check in on my former colleagues and students. I would have no way of knowing what they were up to, otherwise. I love Skype, too, and am very grateful for it but I only use it when one of us is out of town.
I knowI risk looking like an old fart when I write things like this but I think you’re right, it isn’t about age. It’s about experiencing life first-hand, not through a tweet or a text.
You said it! I have an energency cell ph in my glove box that I really don’t know how to use. Don’t have a FB acct, don’t tweet… I guess one day, I’lll be the weird old lady on the street who doesn’t know how to “do” anything. And just for the record, last year two different cars hit utility poles, knocked out electricty all day because they were texting while driving. What in the world is that important??? Folks need to get a grip!
Texting while driving is totally unacceptable and there have been many lives lost because of it.
I’ve never joined LinkedIn but my husband has and he can’t see the sense of it either. What’s with the “endorsing skills” business? On the other hand, I do enjoy scrolling through Facebook once or twice a day. We have friends and acquaintances all over the world and it’s an easy way to keep in touch with them. With close friends and family, phone calls or email s are still the way to communicate.
The world is a-changing!
It’s a grey, rainy day here, too. Hope you stay cozy.
I scroll through Facebook, too, Lorrie. It IS a great way to keep in touch with my many friends and colleagues all over the place.
Hmmm…I don’t have a problem with someone Tweeting or posting on FB news about a pregnancy, or any other life-changing event. It seems like a very efficient way to get the word out. I do think there is a generation gap thing going on here, and I don’t know that people of my generation (I am 65) wouldn’t have been doing the same thing in 1970, had the technology been available to us. My parents were decrying long hair and bell bottom pants. And Love Ins. Change is inevitable. I do agree with you, regarding texting during a performance, as that act impacts the comfort of others, and not considering those around you is just plain bad manners. But walking around texting, or chatting away on a cell phone? That’s just what those under 40 do. I still see great things coming from the generation seemingly tethered to technology. They are writing books, taking photos, designing things, starting non-profits. And Tweeting and Facebooking as they do it.
I don’t have a problem with them posting on FB about a pregnancy for ‘friends’ – I do have a problem with that kind of post for immediate family. My father does not use FB. How does he find out about the new baby that his grandson and his wife are having? He doesn’t. Immediate family should be told in a different, more intimate way.
Change is inevitable and much of it I embrace. But there have been studies done about texting, tweeting, and doing it all by multi-tasking. Something suffers, and it’s usually any kind of retention. There was a great 60 Minutes Interview about that a couple of years ago.
You’re right, Sandra, great things are indeed coming from many in that generation. However, walking around texting all of the time and/or being constantly on a cell phone, to me, results in a closing off from the rest of the living, breathing world that surrounds us. It makes me sad.
Just my thoughts, of course. I know others will disagree and that’s what I love about having this blog – I like to read all points of view. Thank you for your thoughts on this subject.
Sandra, nobody will argue that change is inevitable and that it is often a good thing. What many see, though, is diminishing face-to-face human contact. I think modern technology is wonderful, but there must be a balance in our everyday lives. When I am in the company of others, I do not wanted to be interrupted six times by their taking a phone call! And by the way, I am 61, and I say that even if this was available in our day, we could have abused it in the same way!
Great topic! I agree, too many people seem oblivious to the world around them as they walk with their heads down texting. Thank goodness the office where I work BANS texting, surfing the internet or even using your cell phone unless you are off the clock. Some think the rules are Draconian but it makes for a better work environment and you can surf, text or tweet your heart out during lunch.
Love that your office does that, Jen. There’s a time and a place for that sort of thing.
Yes, Claudia you have it right on the button on this subject. My two daughter in laws are constantly on their phones texting. It is so annoying. In my post on my granddaughter’s birthday, her mama is texting in the background. I tried to crop her out. I am so glad to be in this time of my life not to be in the fast lane anymore.
My DIL asked me how she could make it all stop…..phones and all……I just told her unplug and turn them off. I feel the kids suffer so much. I love my DILs and they are great parents but the phones are annoying.
Thanks for bringing up the subject so we can vent.
I so agree, Debby. It’s hard to believe that there was a time when we just had land lines – not even answering machines. If someone wanted to reach us, they had to keep trying. Don talks about that a lot. I don’t want everyone to be able to reach me all the time. Why? What is so profound that it can’t wait?
Claudia, I feel we miss a lot of valuable experience.I recently returned from a short trip ,usually I meet several people at the Airport and flight. but no more, No human/eye contact what so ever. I KNOW I wouldn’t have “done” the same thing in the 70’s. Because I worked a full time job, part time raised my little Brother,and went to school! Plus we were taught manners, which included looking at people when spoken to,or hanging up the phone if someone comes in. My parents made sure we did those things! Love the Blog! -Judy A- I would Love to read about Madelyn Albright! ( I didn’t know if we are supposed to mention the book)
Judy, if you’d like to be entered, can you leave a comment on the actual book review post? Otherwise it won’t count.
Dear sweet friend,
I agree with you. Technology is great, and there is a place for it. It seems people(young and older) are consumed. I have seen young people text at church. Also, an elderly lady’s cell phone rang at church. Needless to say she took forever to find it. The dinner table is not the place for phones or tablets. After thirty.nine years in the classroom, I think our little ones are facing communication and socialization problems. Many are computer literate, but have trouble speaking and writing in complete sentences. Children learn from home(modeling) first. It is easy for me to judge since our two children have higher degrees and careers. I have many questions,few answers. Can empathy and sympathy be taught? I really do not know. These are my opinions, and I am “stickin’ to them.” The sun is shining in middle TN. Happy day! I think this older woman is through rambling.
but
Texting at church? Unbelievable! I agree – my teaching friends say that they see a definite lack of skills in oral and written communication – not to mention spelling.
Claudia,
To a certain extent I am sick of technology. I use e-mail, the internet and facebook but not to the exclusion of all else. I find it very annoying to see people anyways looking down. My daughter, who is a professor, asked a student once what was so interesting about his crotch. She knew of course that he was texting. I am concerned about younger people and how they will communicate. very sad. When my granddaughter is older there will be a rule about phone and computer at my house as well.
love your post and your shop
Charlotte
Good for your daughter! I left teaching before things got out of control but I have to say that if I was teaching today, cell phones would be banned from my classroom. Stick it in your backpack, turn it off and wait until you leave the classroom to check it!
I’m so with you on all these time consuming things. I, like you, think the internet is great for many things, but I don’t FB, twitter or text. I seem to have gotten LinkedIn some how, but it was not something I did on purpose. And NO, it hasn’t helped me get a job. Just annoying emails because I don’t participate. I recently got rid of the phone I had that was one of the touch screen types (not an iphone, couldn’t afford it, even if I wanted one and I don’t).
I went back to a flip basic phone, only to keep in touch with my elderly mom when I’m out doing errands. My laptop, and kindle are the only devices I enjoy and use. And even then, I’m probably online more than I need to be. I still write hand written thank you notes and make and send my own greeting cards.
I know I am online more than I should be and I’m trying to change that!
You rock, my friend. Sometimes you put into words what I’m not able to. I posted something along this vibe on FB last week; about going out to eat with my husband and noticing that everyone around us (and not just this one particular night – it happens every time we go out) was on their smartphones and ignoring the person – or persons – they were with. In particular, I noticed a middle-aged couple where the man was looking at his phone and scrolling through messages the entire time that they were waiting for their meal to be brought to their table. The woman just sat there, staring into space. No conversation at all between the two of them. So why even bother going out to dinner together? I would’ve thrown a fit, if I were that woman. My husband and I don’t even have smartphones, but we at least silence our cell phones when we go into restaurants. And like you said, the blue screens that light up during theater performances? Nothing but horribly rude. Same thing happens in movie theaters and it drives me nuts. Don’t even get me started on those who text while driving!
Funny that you should mention Linked-In. I’m trying to decrease my computer time and I forgot all about this site. I’m on it, but never use it, nor has it done any ‘good’ for me. I’m going to delete my account. Thanks for the reminder.
I know! I see that all the time, too. People sharing a meal but completely oblivious to the other person because they have their head buried in a phone. My cell phone is always turned off when I’m in a public place or at a public event.
I’m totally with you on this one. And Haworth, too! :) Today I saw a young female parent picking up her PreK child — she had on the highest heels I had ever seen, was hobbling along, trying to hold her child’s little hand while texting with the other. I just found the whole scene rather ridiculous. I can always tell when the driver in front of me is texting because of the tilt of their head and the fact that you can’t see their eyes in the rearview mirror. Plus, of course, the fact that they don’t know how to drive. I don’t do Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest and I never will. At school I get all kinds of requests for LinkedIn but I refuse them all. My job is just that, a job … not a career, and I don’t want to be linked to anyone. I am so tired of people thinking they have to be attached to a little bitty gadget all the ding dong day. Seeing the tops of everyone’s heads as they are walking along oblivious to the world around them. I have an old Nokia phone that I use. My friends keep trying to talk me into getting an iPhone but so far I just don’t see the need. I barely use my mobile as it is. But then again, my oldest will be going to college in the States this year, so I may just need to give into that one thing so I can keep in touch with him through FaceTime and WhatsApp. Nomatter though, I will never ever let it rule my life like so many these days do. It’s truly become an addiction for way too many people out there. Best wishes to you, Tammy
I’ve seen that, too. A woman in the grocery store with her child, head down, texting, kid trying to keep up with her. Yikes. I have an iPhone and I love it and I got it because I am sometimes out of town on business and it helps me keep track of things. But the truth is, I really don’t absolutely need it. Cripes, I remember a time when I didn’t want a cell phone because I didn’t want to be reached every hour of the day. I should have stayed with that idea!
Tammy, YOU GO GIRL!!! Judy A-
I once thought I was all alone in my thinking, regarding social media…I see that I am not! Especially after reading a few of the comments. I truly fear for the future of our children….when did it become okay for school children to have their cell phones during class? At some level technology is great, but I fear that we have as a society, taken it too far. Keep on talking about this Claudia…you are an important voice! ;)
“No cell phone in class” should be a rule in every classroom. If I was still teaching, it would definitely be a rule in my classroom. You can’t possibly be learning and experiencing and listening if one eye is on your phone. Ain’t possible.
I’ve avoided technology for years. I had a basic phone that was rarely turned on for traveling home at night. We live outside the “big city” so after a class, I have to travel down a highway and down some tiny secondary roads to get home. The phone was always my lifeline in the event of car troubles or a crash. For years, I would get nasty notes from people who were angry they had called me and I didn’t answer. I didn’t answer because it wasn’t on, or I was driving, or I was sleeping!!
When my plan was up last summer, the phone co. offered me a free iPhone 4. I took it, only because my kids insisted it was a better phone and it was FREE. Plus my plan wasn’t affected, so why not. Then they taught me to use the phone to text. And to take pictures. And to use the internet. I could check my FB page while I was in liine at Safeway. Wow! My world opened up. I could, in an instant, ask my dearly beloved what he wanted for dinner. Or look up a recipe if I forgot my list. Too coo!!!
Everything changed the rainy day my husband and I were sitting on the couch, side by side, having a conversation by text, while watching a movie. He’d send me a text. I’d respond. You get the picture. And suddenly I burst into tears. The world I hadn’t wanted to enter was at my finger tips and I was sucked in! Since that day, we have limited our use to very critical moments instead of day to day. All phones must be turned off when we’re doing activities together as a family (except for using it to record pictures). Talking is essential to living. Texting is not!
I will admit I like FB to share pictures of our grandbabies with our family. And we often go on at night to say goodnight to our children, by messaging, who do not live here. But other than that, I rarely post and I have been actively taking off people who use it to tell me every little move they make. Not worth my time to know you’re standing in line at the grocery store.
I teach a class called “Losing Touch with Nature” for parents. I fear not just for this current generation but future ones as well. My 2 year old grandson knows how to use my phone better than I do. I’ve now tucked it away and when we are together, there is no phone to play with. He’s outside and frolicky in the snow.
Where he should be ….
Where we all should be ….
Beautifully said, Chy. Thank you.
Thank you for starting this conversation. It’s nice to not feel so “alone” for those of us who are choosing not to use technology every moment of the day!
There isn’t much I can add to this..You and others have said it so well..What I do beg for is people to stop texting while driving..if you must text then pull over and do it..Nothing you or someone else has to say is worth losing your or another persons life!
Amen.
Well said, Claudia! When I see an invitation to come and play “Farmtime” games on Facebook I wince. Who has time to move a bunch of silly farm animals around and put them in a make-believe barn. What a waste of time!
Sadly, I have a few family members that have choosen to vent their woes and send barbs to others. We have blocked them. My husband and I share a Facebook page for so we can see sometimes daily photos of our new grandbaby and so he can keep in touch with his Navy buddies.
I assure you that multitasking while doing needle felting can be a painful experience. Not a time to chat on the phone, watch television or diddle on the computer.
Thanks for the post, my friend.
Blessings,
Carolynn .
Amen. I was having a telephone conversation this morning about a problem between friends due to misunderstood typed words.
I heard about a death via Facebook. The email came through a while later.
I would think it’d be common sense that if you’re announcing a pending birth, that you give your grandfather a call because you know he’s not on Facebook. I mean there are people who have Facebook accounts who never look at them (or post to them) so you know they have to be called or emailed.
I agree with phones off during meals as well.
But hashtags are silly. That’s the fun of them. To make up wacky commentary on what you’re posting. (And it also came in handy when my cable went out. I couldn’t get through to the cable office so I got onto Twitter on my phone and searched for a likely hashtag to find out what was going on.)
So I guess I’m in the middle on this one :)
I’ve never had a personal FB account. When friends told me about it, it sounded way too much like the old telephone ‘party line’ we had when I was a little girl. Everyone knew everyone else’s business and things far too trivial or personal were discussed. I once told my children that when they have family news, please phone me first – I don’t want to hear it from my friends who have personal FB accounts.
I completely agree, Claudia. My grandchildren are being raised much more like we were and they are caring confident children who value the natural world. I am staying away from my computer more than I used to even though I make my living on it. I still find that I can get as much done, which shows how much time I was wasting.
Hugs,
Laura
I bought the coral garland and so excited to hanging it on my old hutch I love so much!
All this technology will be the downfall of polite society! My hubbie and I share one cell phone ($34/month–no landline.) We do not text. We are not on Facebook or Twitter or any other social network. I do not allow a photo, taken by others, to be put up on Facebook. Parents are in the parks with their children, spending more time on cell phones than with their kids. Friends sit across from one another at restaurants with their cell phones on the table, and gladly take calls during dinner. Other comments here reiterate the same thing. I don’t like to be with someone who takes 5 calls when we are together. What is so urgent that cannot wait? You nailed it with this entry, Claudia!
I am so with you on the FIRST notification of wedding/pregnancy/engagement being on Facebook!! My cousins are so bad about this. Seriously tell you mother and grandmother FIRST! Your old school buddies can find out on FB but NOT your family. I use all these things, but I don’t give up actually talking to people. My grandmother called me within minutes of my Grandfather passing in January. I called my mom (daughter-in-law) First. She called my half-sister for me. I DID NOT post until much later as I would have felt awful if ANY of my cousins found out from me on Facebook! YUCK! Ok sorry for the rant, just too much of this on my end lately :)
Hugs, Lisa
Amen, sisters,Amen!
I agree with everything you say, Claudia. I feel this constant use of technology is replacing direct contact with others. So sad. I do text and replaced my land line with a cell phone a few years ago. I am annoyed by those who forget manners and use the phone in public and in cars. Is everything so vastly important that it cannot wait? I do not have a FaceBook account and think that it is a “partyline” also. We have so little real privacy these days, I don’t understand giving away the little we have left.
There is some hope. I took two of my grands to lunch last Sat. at a place of their choice. We went to Arby’s and I was astonished to see not a single person on a cell phone. They were talking and spending time with each other. Hang on, friends…..there may be others out there.
I have to agree with you 100% on this one. The lack of personal communication scares me. Two people can sit next to each other and they’re TEXTING one another rather than physically speaking or looking each other in the eye. And then there’s the person checking out and they’re on their cell phone. SO RUDE! I used to be a bank teller and it would really annoy me when someone pulled up and was on their phone talking to someone else but trying to do business with me. Ugh, don’t get me started. Wait, I’m already started, hahaha!
I am a woman in the wrong century. I do not have a TV or a cell phone…or even know what the names of all the gadgets are. I do drive short distances, but I hate it. My grandson (14) lives for all things electronic…and has serious problems with concentration and focusing on schoolwork, understanding relationships and emotions. Could there be a connection?
At my age I am going through difficult times with friends passing away at every turn. Keeping up with them seems to happen through Facebook, because…and i understand this…they do not have time and energy to contact others individually. And so I am perhaps the last person on earth to have joined FB.
I also have learned to use Skype a little bit. I began so that I could see and hear my grandchildren. Then it grew so that I could contact my son in places like Madagascar and Haiti. Now Digicel has blocked access to Skype in Haiti. How blind can they be to helping families there contact those from away? Fortunately, there are a few Haitians who send me personal messages by email. I must say that email and digital cameras have changed my life for the better!
Nancy Blue Moon just said it all for me! No phone calls and no texting while driving!
I have a FB account – don’t post hardly at all, but follow family and long distance freinds – got a request from a family member for Linkedln, and I deleted it. If you want a reference, I will give you one on paper. I don’t tweet (unless I am whistling at the birds in the back yard). :P
Do not text much, but the cell phone is a must with having an elderly mother living on her own still, a son in college and a husband who drives the highways and byways of West Texas with his job.