Addiction To Technology
Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away from here I was an entry level employee working for a family business. Straight out of college I was as green as green could be and in many ways it showed.
It took a while before I gained enough sense to recognize that asking for help was not a sign of weakness but a very important tool that I could use to assist myself in learning how to do my job and how to more effectively integrate myself into the company.
Slowly but surely I figured it all out and thoughI made a lot of mistakes I earned my fair share of praise as well. But it wasn’t always easy.
One of the owners was a man in his early 70’s who was terrified of computers. The very idea of entering all of the company data into a machine that beeped, buzzed, and whistled made what little hair he had stand on end. And it was his fear of computers that kept the company from moving into the modern era.
Yet, I have to credit him with one piece of insight and that was his insistence that it would create a dependence upon them that he thought was unhealthy.
He was right.
A couple of wars and recessions later I have to say that his prediction of addiction and dependence was dead on. On the rare occasions in which I have computer trouble I feel lost and have to fumble around to work. Life without a cellphone feels a bit like swimming in the middle of the ocean without a boat.
Don’t you worry, I can function without these items and I do. But I admit to feeling ill at ease and disconcerted. It is moments like these when I think that I should find a way to cut the tether and release myself from this bondage to silicon chips.
That is why every so often I intentionally leave the phone at home and go hiking. Every now and then I need to get away from it all and just live disconnected.
It is refreshing and I something that I highly encourage. Try it and see what you think.
Jack's Shack June 14, 2006 at 6:15 am
Saus,
There are some beautiful trails in Malibu.
BG,
It feels refreshing, doesn’t it.
Ethics,
Very true.
SJ,
I remember that post and enjoyed it.
SW,
🙂
Jim,
3 Computers- slow down there cowboy.
jim June 14, 2006 at 5:10 am
Jack, I totally agree, remember we weren’t born with a cell phone. But I got so disconnected that finally I lost my car, my job and then my library card, now, that is too much, be careful, you can do without, but still, there are things to do. LOL, I am fine, but it isn’t for everyone. And look, I am more than ever addicted to the computer, have 3 of them. LOL.
A Simple Jew June 13, 2006 at 4:18 pm
Good post, Jack. My thoughts on this can be found here
ethics June 13, 2006 at 4:13 pm
you need to rule the cellphone and not the other way around!
BarnGoddess June 13, 2006 at 3:41 pm
youve inspired me to go about today without my cell phone attached to my hip…..I hope I survive.
saus June 13, 2006 at 3:37 pm
I’m thinking maybe this guy likes hiking too! lol
But seriously, I’ve enjoyed many trails and fine hikes in the Malibu as well as northern canyons of LA, it’s a great way to detach from the cords & wirelessness of it all, I was usually in LA on work (technology) and to be with friends & family, both stressful ; )