Do you think being too connected to our technology is a bad thing? If so, are you going to do anything to stop yourself, or do you think at some point it's inevitable?
I think technology makes us more connected to the world when we are at home. We have the opportunity to connect with people we wouldn't normally connect to and we can come in contact with cultures we couldn't otherwise know, but when we leave our homes we continue to stay in the online world we've created and don't get exposed to things we would have otherwise. If we recognize that we need to leave the technological world we've created it doesn't have to keep us from experiencing new things.
My gut reaction is always to say that technology is an evil and that we should strive to be less dependent. But I know that I am equally guilty of sometimes being attached to my phone or laptop to the point where it gets in the way of interacting with the "real" world around me. We need to find a balance that allows us to "be here now" but also make use of the technological advances that we have made, since there are ways that technology can help us.
When I go on trips I actually don't allow myself to take more than a couple pictures a day..often I refuse to allow myself to take any. It's because if I start I know I will stop seeing the things in front of me with my eyes and only instead see it through my phone. It's not inevitable to stop being overly connected with tech, it's just hard.
My general instinct in relation to technology is that were too dependent on it. I see people attached to their phones and computers instead of human interaction, and I feel that they are replacing travel or experience with these too. It's human's natural impulse to stay with the comfortable and technology gives us a convenient way to do this. This reminds me of another article I read (a few years ago) about how technology is decreasing our nostalgia, and makes people desensitized to the past and their human experience.
I think that technology provides the opportunity to disconnect from reality but I think it's entirely up to us the degree to which we get sucked in. It's just like anything else. We can indulge and use the product or exert some self control and stop ourselves from using. Technology will not stop advancing and providing us with more opportunities to disconnect from the real world, so it's up to us to choose whether or not we let it control us.
There is a time and a place for technology. When we are in our own cocoon (such as our house or apartment), it's ok to stay in that cocoon through the use of technology. But when we are out in the world and continue to glue our eyes to a screen, we miss out on opportunities and experiences. I think losing experience is one of the worst things you can do to yourself.
This reminds me of a Kickstarter from a little while ago for virtual reality gaming technology called "Oculus Rift"-- kinda the opposite of the problem this article highlights. Instead of interactions with the physical world hindered by digital distractions, the digital distraction serves as a substitute for reality. A feature called "Oculus World" allows the user to take virtual vacations in real places (currently only available for "visiting" Tuscany), and as virtual reality technology evolves, I wonder how many people who would be distracted in physical places will gladly immerse in these virtual copies.
I definitely agree that technology is an important and useful part of our lives today and I see nothing wrong with snapping some pictures or updating your Facebook, but I think there is extreme value in taking a break from that and really experiencing something, especially if you're traveling to a new place. In my opinion, looking back on the best experiences I've had and trips I've been on, I remember things I did rather than a great picture I took of something. There is also the issue of instant gratification when it comes to photos and constantly being connected with your friends from home, for example. One great reason to go travel is to get away from your everyday life, and I believe that that includes taking a break from technology.
started by Meg Weiss on 03 Sep 13
Do you think being too connected to our technology is a bad thing? If so, are you going to do anything to stop yourself, or do you think at some point it's inevitable?
There is a time and a place for technology. When we are in our own cocoon (such as our house or apartment), it's ok to stay in that cocoon through the use of technology. But when we are out in the world and continue to glue our eyes to a screen, we miss out on opportunities and experiences. I think losing experience is one of the worst things you can do to yourself.