In the early 1900s the Farmers’ Almanac editor was lamenting the arrival of daily mail, trolleys, and telephones. His concern was that there would be less neighborliness as people traveled further. While these complaints sound ludicrous, today, every generation has its version of this dilemma. As I grow old(er), I find myself feeling ambivalent about today’s newest technologies. Though advancing technology offers new opportunities for learning and connecting with our world, I worry that something gets lost in the shuffle.
Recently, I had dinner with a couple and their four children. The children were all on phones either playing games or texting friends before, during, and after dinner. At least they weren’t arguing. I have since noticed that others at restaurants are doing the same thing. I was once at a party when an acqaintence across the room texted me.
Here is my question – is the ability to be with someone, but also stay connected with everyone else, a healthy thing? Are our social skills slipping away as we happily bounce from one message to another. Have our 3,000 Facebook friends made physical friends appear less important.
Clearly, the world is evolving. Being able to multitask with quick back and forth messages could be how we live. How do you see this movement toward texting while with other people? Share your thoughts below!
Peter Geiger is the Editor of the Farmers' Almanac. 
If you notice a hole in the upper left-hand corner of your Farmers' Almanac, don't return it to the store! That hole isn't a defect; it's a part of history. Starting with the first edition of the Farmers' Almanac in 1818, readers used to nail holes into the corners to hang it up in their homes, barns, and outhouses (to provide both reading material and toilet paper). In 1910, the Almanac's publishers began pre-drilling holes in the corners to make it even easier for readers to keep all of that invaluable information (and paper) handy.
7 comments
I too enjoy technology. I do not however enjoy seeing my daughter, or anyone else I try to visit with or enjoy a meal with be so disconnected from the present company of real humans.
When it comes to texting and driving, this is a pretty good way to meet God sooner than one might expect.
That is my take on things.
I love technology as much as anyone. However, I see it as a tool and not something to be used as a substitute for living and personal interaction. Young people today have unfortunately been born into this technology and many of them do not seem to be receiving guidance regarding it’s use. I see an increasing disconnect between people in spite of this “increased communication”. This narrow focus can make people look like walking “zombies” at times. I guess this is why Philadelphia is considering ticketing “text-walkers”. I could go on for hours about the roots and ramifications of all this but I’m on vacation and I’m going to the beach to focus on my family and friends…In person!!!
Not only texting, look at the face book commercial. The young lady is trying to get her parents to get more involved on face book, she has over 600 friends and calls it living. The purpose of the commercial was the parents are out enjoying life with activities and exercise, but I see the younger generation spending more and more time with a computor screen or a phone screen to connect over wires. Then I see them together, no real relationships..How do they find a real relationship, make committments when all you need to do is block them from your list..I love the new technology, don’t get me wrong..I just think we are allowing it to change us, our most vulnerable generation, the next leaders of the country…will they need to text eachother or fb to make an executive decision..or will they text the leaders of other countries..maybe the next war will be on the web via a downloaded game…some fate…….
Like so many other things, it’s all about balance. Social networking and texting are great ways to keep in touch with people whom we cannot practically meet with on a regular basis… relatives and friends in other states, a quick question that isn’t quite worth a phone call, etc. At the same time, nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Furthermore, my opinion is that many people in the workplace are losing their ability to communicate well… it’s a skill that requires experience to execute well. No boss is going to say, “Text me the reasons you deserve a raise by Wednesday afternoon” after all.
In my humble opinion, continually texting when you are with someone is just plain RUDE! What ever happened to our manners and sense of valued friendship or respect?
honestly I’m more irritated when people talk on their phones in a public setting, at least if they’re texting at least I don’t have to hear the conversation. Now talking, texting and surfing the web at the supper table is NOT acceptable in my opinion, it’s rude. I didn’t ask you to come here and buy you dinner so I could watch you ignore me. There are even people who are delusional enough to say “texting and driving is perfectly safe because it makes you more cautious behind the wheel.” And they say it with a straight face!
I love that I can text someone thousands of miles away, and they have my message in a few seconds, in that respect I appreciate the ability this technology. However, in the past few years when family have come in from out of state, I am unable to have a good visit with them because I feel like I am competing with their phones! I feel as though I never have their undivided attention, and have even, jokingly, threatened to hide their phone! Technology has it’s pro’s and con’s, doesn’t it? I don’t want to lose sight that it’s much better to reach out and touch someone physically, than through thousands of wires. Just a thought.
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