The Digital Double-Edged Sword

This week’s topic could not have come at a better time.  As I sit semi-barricaded in our office after having a semi-humorous/semi-serious discussion with my husband about the location of our desktop computer, I have to admit I can definitely see where people come from when discussing how technology can have serious damaging effects and over-all negative consequences on the family.

(Disclaimer: no we were not fighting- but if he wasn't so darn cute we might have.)

My husband and I have also recently debated the concept of having a screen-free day once a week where we spend as much time as possible off our phones, tablets, computers, and television as possible.  I love the idea- and in my heart of hearts I truly think it will be for the best once we get it going… but getting there is another story altogether. 

{Image Source: Here}

{Image Source: Here}

You see, Brandon and I are both technology lovers. I don’t consider myself to be a technological expert by any means- but I do consider myself fairly tech-savvy.  I may or may not have rescued no less than three laptops during pre-planning week at my school.  I feel confident in using technology as a resource in my classroom, and I’m often right alongside my students in their excitement for new technological releases.  And in my home?  Let’s just say that if we were to give away all our unnecessary pieces of technology… our home would feel very empty indeed.

{Image Source: Here }

Now that I’ve asserted my love for all things internet-compatible… I have to also add that if my iPhone were a leather couch, my butt-print would be securely indented on the center cushion for all the world to see.  I’m seriously on that beast TWENTY.FOUR.SEVEN.  Like… it’s ridiculous.  Between the regular calling and texting (regular phone stuff) it is also my Camera, GPS, Grocerylist, Recipebook, To-Do list, Family Calendar, Timer, Baby-book memory saver, Mirror, Newspaper, Game-center, Poetry notepad, Information resource, Music Player- and So. Much. More!  

(Not to mention of course Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Hah)

So… with my smart-phone dependence noted, I’m unfortunately obligated to share this little gem my mom posted on her Facebook the other day.

(Please note the youtube video doesn't show on mobile devices for some reason.)

 So- Let's reflect.

How I imagine you’re “supposed” to feel watching this clip:

“Oh wow… look at all those people missing-out on life’s precious moments.  They are so busy on their phones to even notice what’s going on around them.”

How I *actually* feel watching this clip:

“Oh wow… look at that poor girl missing-out on fully enjoying/sharing/remembering life’s precious moments.  She is so busy feeling depressed and out of the loop to even enjoy what’s going on around her.”

I guess what I’m trying to say- is technology really is one of life’s sharpest double-edged swords. 

As technology grows and develops, it continues to have an everlasting impact on our daily lives- whether we want it to or not.  It gives us the opportunity to interact, learn, and share in a way that was never before possible.  It increases efficiency and accuracy.  We can communicate through texts, e-mails, phone calls, face-time, video chats, instant messaging, and so much more with all our friends and loved ones- no matter the distance.

{Image Source: Here}

Our world is shrinking daily.  We find ourselves able to reach our friends, family, and even strangers across the globe with the click of a mouse; the tap of a touch-screen. It's an AMAZING thing.  Not only does this "shrinking world" have fantastic benefits for the world of business, but it's a blessing for families too.  Deployed soldiers in foreign countries video-chatting with their sweethearts, out-of-state grandparents hearing the voice of their grandchildren, working parents receiving text-pictures of their children on their lunch breaks.

And yet- we may find ourselves becoming increasingly more distant from those closest to us physically.  I don't think the late-night (or weekend morning) home with curtains closed and family members spread sporadically throughout the house- faces illuminated with their various screens.

Check out this still-frame from one of my favorite shows "Modern Family".  Here Phil (the dad) and his three children enjoy some "quality family time" while mom is away.
Like so many other scenes in the show- we laughed at this part... because even though we feel guilty admitting it, we could relate.  And suddenly we realize we aren't alone.

In conclusion- when writing on the topic of  "technology and the family" I find myself just as "double-edged" as the sword I mentioned earlier.  I'm not entirely convinced that technology is really the biggest family-foe it's made out to be... but I do believe we have to be careful.  

I hope this image I found on google-search doesn't offend anyone; but I feel like it has a powerful message.
We can't be fooled by the "good intentions" of time-suckers like smartphones and gaming systems.  

All things in moderation.

It's so easy to slip into an internet coma.  (Wait.. how many hours have I been on Pinterest?!)
It's so easy to answer that one text (Sorry- what did you say? Someone was texting me.)
It's so easy to stay up late finishing that blog post (It has a good message- just a few more sentences!)

And while we're there...while we may be taking in so much...we're also missing things.  We need to be incredibly cautious with how we are spending our time.

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I don't want to be like the old ladies who couldn't figure out how to program their VCR- but I'm also not sure I want my tombstone to read:

"Jessica- quick-texting mother and tech-savvy wife who saw every LOLcat Meme before you did."

Our time here is precious.  There are many wonderful and worthwhile doors technology can open for us, but we need to remember that there are some equally if not more wonderful and worthwhile doors right here- in "real" life.  It's up to us to use our judgement when deciding how much tech-time is too much.


And for tonight... I think I've had enough.
Time to plug-in the iPhone to charge, and snuggle under the covers.
Tomorrow is a new day.