Technology is a big buzzword at work right now. And everyone I know is touting the wonder and necessity of things like ipads and iphones and smartphones and smartboards and on and on and on.
And I'm sure the kindle is a wonderful thing. But somehow, touching a plastic screen just doesn't hold the same magic for me as turning a page.
Don't get me wrong. I love my computer and cell phone and ipod and digital camera as much as anyone. But that's about my limit. And I worry that an over reliance on the wonders of technology might just be ruining the ability of humans to truly, meaningfully communicate with each other.
People are becoming so used to text-speak and saying what they want to say in 42 characters or less that they don't know how to write anymore. A complete sentence is a foreign concept. A paragraph? What's that? Details? OMG yuv got 2 B kdng.
I know children who can't make the 15 minute car trip from their house to the grocery store without turning on a DVD. I know children who are (seemingly) glued to their DS. And why would they go outside and play? They have a wii.
And, I have to say, I miss getting letters in the mail.
Maybe I am old. Maybe I am old-fashioned. But it makes me sad.
So, each day I'm waging my own anti-technology battle, fighting on with pencils and erasers and loose leaf paper and dictionaries and paperback novels.
"Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind."
Henry David Thoreau
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11 comments:
Aww...If you give me an address, I'll send you a letter from Thailand! :) (Maybe an address at your school or P.O. Box if you wanna stay private....)
You know it's funny. Just this week I've handwritten two letters. And my kids are horrible on car rides. They refuse to make any length trip without a book in hand...a real ink on paper book. :)
Especially recently I've felt tech'ed out... there's just so much of it. It makes me a little crazy. The computer is off more than it's on, the phone on a shelf instead of in my hand. It's good... in moderation. But the moderation part is tricky ;)
There's nothing like the feel and smell of a real, paper book.
Good twist on the photo prompt! I love a good old fashioned book too. Granted I've never used an ipad or kindle, but it just wouldn't be the same. We go to the library every week!
Dude. I am with you 100%. I just can't bring myself to purchase a kindle ... as alluring as the concept of hundreds of books in my hand may be. You just can't beat the real thing! Love your post.
I absolutely love getting letters in the mail & sending them too. How else would I utilize me beautiful collection of stationary that I love so much?!! :) I also have thought about the kindle- but like you- there is just something wonderful about turning those pages. Books are to be cherished- I love having them all over the house- so full of knowledge & easy to refer back to when needed. Then there is my magazine collection. I have a TON & when I see something I like & want to keep- I tear it out,so it doesn't leave the house with the trash- can't do that with a plastic screen. :)
My husband is big on writing cards to people. It's nice and so much more personal.
Hey! Found you via You Capture. Love your take on this week's challenge. I too cannot give in to purchasing a Kindle or whatever. It doesnt have the same feel, or smell.
I'm also notorious for sending letters, cards, etc for no reason. I love "real" mail!
I love this post! I also love the feel of a book in my hands. And yay for handwritten letters!
Love your post and your take on the subject! Can't beat a real book... I have to turn the pages and be able to have the smell of a real book :)
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