Technology, what a wonderful part of our world today. Smart phones
are capable of doing amazing things these days (although I miss playing snake
on my Nokia 5110). We have airplanes that can essentially fly and land
themselves. Video games are more real than ever. I was watching a commercial
the other day and was excited about what I thought was this new action movie being
released soon. Come to find out, it’s a video game. It looked so real though!
We can video chat with people from virtually anywhere on the planet. Medical
technology is mind blowing and is steadily improving every day. Don’t get me
started on cars. They can actually park
themselves now. Where in the hell was that over a decade ago when I was
freaking out about hitting the curb on my driving test. Parking themselves is
just the start to what cars are capable of doing. I could go on for a long time
about the different technological luxuries we enjoy today that were once only
considered science fiction. Think about it, aside from flying cars and living in
outer space, both of which are close to being a reality, we’re not that far
away from living like The Jetsons.
However, is technology playing somewhat of a negative role
when it comes to relationships? Not just romantic relationships but all types
of relationships. That is the bases of today’s discussion. Too often we choose
to send a text, email, Facebook post/message, or a Tweet instead of picking up
the phone and calling someone. These types of electronic communication seem to
always win over having a face to face convo. Why is that? I understand it saves
time to just shoot a quick text but is it necessary all the time? Sure, during
the grind of the day it is easy to send an email to someone so you don’t disrupt
your work flow too much. I understand and, admittedly, I am guilty of doing it
as well. However, I often sit and wonder when it is acceptable to communicate
through technology and when is it not. Being nearly 2000 miles away from most
of my family and friends, it’s hard to stay up to date with everyone. I rely on
a random text, email, or Facebook update to keep me in the loop. My days get so
busy that I just don’t have the time to talk on the phone. But you have to
wonder if it’s the fact that I don’t have time or is that I do not make time?
Instead of sending a text to my best friend, why don’t I pick up the phone and call?
I could even set up a Skype convo. Rather than Facebook stalking a family member,
or friend, why not spend that time hearing their voice on the other end of the
phone? We all need to be more conscious of the fact that having a face to face
(or voice to voice) convo with someone should always take priority over
communicating via text, email, Facebook, etc., when possible. The connection
you have with someone when hearing their voice, or talking to them in person,
cannot be achieved through something like an email. If that were possible, we
wouldn’t have the need to take someone out on a date or hang out with friends.
We could just email or text all of our interactions and feelings: “ok, im
picking you up now,” “you look so beautiful,” “we’re walking to the car,” “we
just got the restaurant,” “oh yeah, I’ve had the lasagna before, it’s good.”
Seems ridiculous doesn’t it?! But so many of us use this type of communication
to establish and/or continue relationships with others. Today, when a man and
woman swap numbers, they’re usually not waiting for a call anymore. No, they’re
waiting for a text. I have seen two people meet and instead of switching
numbers, they added each other on Facebook on the spot. They both had their
phones out and were searching for one another on The Facebook. Really?! I was
amazed at what they were doing. One of them said, “Message me when you want to
go out.” I have a better idea, why don’t you get her number and when you want
to go out, call her and ask her out...verbally!
Now, I understand why people prefer electronic
communication. It gives them a sort of confidence. They can be whoever they
want through text or email. They can send a text without the anxiety of
hearing/seeing the other person respond in a way that is not in their favor. For
example, if someone doesn’t want to go out with you, sometimes it is easier to be
turned down by text than to have the words of them turning you down play over
and over in your head. On the other end, if you really don’t like someone, you
can be short with them much easier through email than you can if they were
sitting across from you. Also, you can respond to that email when you want, if
at all for that matter. The way I see it though, if you have the stones to turn
someone down in a text, then have the courage to tell them to their face or at
least verbally. [Random Disclaimer: I don’t want to sound insensitive, BUT if
the person is a complete creeper or stage 5 clinger, then by all means only talk
to them electronically (actually you probably should talk to them at all)].
Also, as long as you won’t be in danger by doing so, don’t you dare break up
with someone through text, email, or some social networking site. That is just
wrong and disrespectful. If they meant enough to you to date them, give them
the respect of telling them to their face. When I hear about someone dumping
their girl/boy-friend over Facebook, it pisses me off. That is incredibly
immature and downright triflin’. Someone should round house you in your esophagus
after you just stubbed your toe on the corner of the wall in the middle of the
night and then when you fall to the ground they hit you with a fierce monkey
knuckle on your funny bone before they viciously donkey punch you in your jejunum…Sorry,
I blacked out, where was I? Oh yeah, Electronic communication! And another thing,
these days there are too many people on their phone while they’re socializing
with friends or on a date. Unless it is an emergency, your friends, date, or whoever
you’re are with should have your attention. You can check your emails and tweets
after you’re done. Now, if you’re looking up something pertinent to your discussion
and plans for the night that is fine. But having your face buried in your phone
as you get the latest score update while someone is trying to have a conversation
with you…not acceptable, ever! Be attentive to your company. Just as you want their
undivided attention as you speak, return that courtesy to them as well.
Again, I am sometimes an offender of the issues discussed
above. I’m human which means I am not perfect. However, I challenge myself, and
all of you, to make an effort to change. Or at least do your best to be more aware
of the instances when your electronic/technological dependency is interfering
with your obligation and need to engage in a face to face (or voice) conversation
with someone.
Put your phones down and step away from your technology
driven life every once and a while and have an old fashion conversation with
someone.
Justin
p.s.- DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE!
This clip sort of goes hand and hand with today's topic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gGXylVz6KI
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