The smarter the phone, the dumber the user

It seems in a world where technology is all around us and always advancing that perhaps it could indeed “take over” one’s life, but is that true?

I do agree the use of smart phones can get excessive in someone’s life with people texting or looking at apps while they are driving and I’m sure we all have that friend who is constantly on their phone when you guys were supposed to be hanging out.

So what is it that drives us to constantly be on our phones or tablets? Do we really care that much about what “XYZ” is doing on theirFriday night? The use of technology while someone is talking to you or hanging out with you can come off a bit rude. That’s why there is a restriction on phones in schools these days.

Social media and apps are a form of entertainment, so it only makes sense to want to be doing something more entertaining in class instead of algebra. However, instead of ignoring someone or something I feel as if our technology acts more as a crutch for us. When we are waiting in line, waiting for a doctor’s appointment or even waiting for the commercials to pass we get on our smart gadgets. It has become a way for us to kill time. Sure it does help, but instead of reading a magazine in a waiting room or simply waiting and reflecting to ourselves we have made it to where we constantly have to be looking at something digital- which could be not so good.

I have also heard a lot of older generation folks get angry about how the kids these days just play video games, never go outside and play, or are too young to have a smart phone or tablet. I’m in college and even I can agree with them, but we can’t blame the kids. This world full of technology is the only one they have grown up in. They know nothing else. They have no idea what it means to not be able to use the computer because you’re waiting for a phone call, or to have a cell phone the size of a briefcase. It’s not their fault this is the era they grew up in.  I think we just all have to keep an open mind as to how much we are progressing and realize that in some cases we all probably use technology too much, but just go with the flow of it because we are only going to gain more of it. So hop on the train while you can, or you are going to be left behind.