Unplugging

After reading the article "Attatched To Technology And Paying The Price" I realized my own technological problems. While I wasn't tempted to shift screens or check my phone while reading, the article brought to my attention my inability to simply be focused on task; I become bored too easily. The article introduces the Campbell family as the typical American "high-tech" family, with the father figure being the example by which to judge. He finds it impossible to focus on the present, constantly checking his other means of communication. I found myself relating in my tendency to text, email, or check facebook whenever with my friends or family ("Who are we eating dinner with tonight?", prompted by the buzz of my cell phone). The point at which the article deviated entirely from my own beliefs regarding technology was the suggestion that the youngest child, 8, posessed her own laptop, ipod, and a number of other expensive devices. While, as a music major, I would never argue the importance of keeping music in a childs life, I think that 8 years old- second grade!- is very young for a personal ipod, let alone a computer with which to search the internet in its entirety. I am by no means suggesting that technology is an evil that must be wiped out, but I agree with the skeptical stance taken by the author of the article. Communication and constant entertainment are addictions that mediums such as Facebook Mobile, Skype, AIM, StumbleUpon, and Twitter are only feeding. Just as judgement must be used to keep alcohol from interfering with a family, so too must it be used when dealing with technology.
-B