Issue 16.16
We reach milestones in life and they encourage us to think more deeply about the direction we are going. A couple of years ago I had my 60th birthday and I spend some time evaluating what I had accomplished and what I still felt was important for the future. This article is the 300th Geek Speak, so I am waxing philosophical. I share my thoughts with you, not to get you to agree, but just to encourage you to think about these things as well.
I have been involved with computers for over 30 years and have seen them evolve from expensive toys into integral parts of our lives. We have surrendered some parts of our thinking and acting to the electronic realm. I used to be able to remember dozens of phone numbers of friends, family and even business contacts. I now have trouble remembering my kids numbers because I never dial them – I just push a button. I used to be able to return to any place I had been by remembering the landmarks along the way. Now I follow my GPS directions and sometimes can’t even remember the neighborhood where the location is. The computer in my mobile phone is more powerful than the building-size computer they used to land a man on the moon in 1969.
We don’t sit and talk or make phone calls as much anymore. We text and facebook and rarely delve into the meaningful and heartfelt in our relationships. I have literally seen my kids sitting next to each other and texting each other instead of just talking.
I am a big fan of technology. I use my GPS, my Amazon Echo, my SIRI, my cellphone, my DVR, my Netflix and many other electronic gadgets every day and my life is enriched by it. I use my computer 8 to 10 hours a day for the work I do and for connections and enjoyment. I just worry that we are letting the even more important things like relationships, devotion to a higher power and just sitting and pondering or meditating go by the wayside, at least to some extent.
My feeling is that I should encourage all of us to use our electronics as a tool and an aid to doing what is important rather than making them the focus. I have known of people who ruin their actual relationships in order to serve their addiction or fascination with social media, online or TV shopping or other technological distractions. Perhaps we should set a time to be away from technology each day or each week. Turn off the phones and computers, the TVs and DVRs, the games and entertainment. Sit on the swing or go for a walk. Visit a neighbor and just sit and talk for a while. Do a service project for someone nearby or someone far away.
It’s just a suggestion, but I hope you will consider it – and make sure you always have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.