We live in a society that seems to worship digital devices like smart phones, computers and video games, so much so that it's not uncommon to see people out in public with their heads buried in a device no matter if they're walking, sitting alone or with others; the device seems infinitely more important to them than the world, or people, that exist around them. All they need to do to become more engaged is to look up, but generally they don't.
I have a smart phone and share a laptop computer with my partner, but I'm beholden to neither of them. They are merely tools, inanimate objects that help me do other things. I do what it is that's required, close the device and move away and into my real life and the real world.
A little while ago I sat in the garden you see pictured here with my lovely man and we spoke about various things: Gardening and flowers, the various things we have happening at the moment and the future. I recall also talking about his hair because it resembled Boris Johnson's that day, the ex-prime minister of the UK. Okay, it wasn't that bad, but it looked funny...he wore it well though and I was only teasing him.
About a half hour after we sat down, a couple walked into the garden and sat on a bench on the other side of the broad grassed area. They were younger than us, holding hands as they walked, and sat close to one another on the bench...for about three minutes. That's how long they lasted before they both pulled out their phones and for the next forty or so minutes never said word to each other; they even sat farther apart so their elbows didn't bump while operating their phones.
I'd initially remarked that I loved love to my man, and that it was nice to see a young couple spending time together in nature, and he agreed; but after they pulled their phones out it all seemed rather impersonal and disconnected.
I don't think people have to be riveted to one another all the time, it's unrealistic, however I believe people should be engaged with one another, connected. I understand that we didn't know the full story of that couple above and I use them only as an example, however it's something we see repeated across society...people more concerned with the screen on their device than each other or the world around them. It's a sad indictment of modern society that people seem to have lost the need or ability to simply be together, engaged and interested with each other.
I wonder how many people on the verge of their ultimate demise lay on their death-bead and say, if only I'd spent more time alone in front of my computer or smart phone. I think not many, if any at all. So why then do people waste time and opportunity, life itself, not engaging with their loved ones and the world around them? I'm not sure if it has something to do with people feeling that their lives stretch out a long way ahead of the present or if it's just denial of the fact they will ultimately meet their end; either way, I see it is wasteful and for what gain? None really.
Maybe AI relationships are more important to people these days than real, tangible, emotional human ones...Maybe many people really have lost the ability or desire to engage in human ways with each other...I know not. I haven't though; the touch or look from my man reaches my soul and makes it sing and that's what I want in my life.
Becca 💗
Today is very technology-dependent. Whatever conveniences it gives to humans, the downside is rather worse. Well, I have been to a similar situation wherein I ended up arguing with my sibling than talking about it because we cannot get ourselves off our devices.
But it'll always be one's choice to gain physical contact with the world and the people around it. I'd rather be taking my small steps than none at all.
I agree with, rather small steps than none at all. Many people try to jump from big step to big step but there's much to be said for those smaller moments in between.
We are all different people and will act that way, however better relationships and closeness with the planet is a good foundation to have; it's sad many have neither.
Becca 🌷
Very beautiful photo as always, that garden is very beautiful of course.
I agree with you that smartphones and PCs are tools to be used and, once one's work is finished, they must be turned off to immerse themselves in life and dedicate time to loved ones or to nature for example.
However, I love technology that gives me the opportunity to create connections with people far from me, but interesting people, beautiful people like you and others known on Hive for example.
Let's say we have the means and we need to know how to use them well and, as in everything in life, balance is important 😉
I agree with you, devices and internet technology allows us to connect around the world; I just don't think that should be done at the expense of connections closer to home, people, the planet around us, and ourselves.
Becca 🌷
Absolutely that never.
As I was saying, balance is needed in everything; I personally try not to neglect anything or anyone, every person, every task and our Mother Earth deserve the right amount of time😉
I get the impression you don't neglect yourself either, that's an important one.
Becca 🌷
Let's say that in general I believe that neglecting yourself is a wrong thing and to be avoided in all ways 🤗
It is so, Becca, contact real human interrelationships are for life.
Just like you, I totally disconnect every day when it comes to sharing with my husband, we watch a movie, go for a walk, or ride a bike, we do many things together for our personal well-being and to nurture our love and coexistence.
People seem so disconnected these days and with human beings so adaptable I think it's become normal behaviour for many people. I wonder how it will go moving forward.
Becca 🌷
I think those of us who are aware that human contact is better and appreciate what we have in our environment, will continue on the path of love, kindness, gratitude, and hugging next to our affections.
Time goes by so fast Becca that personally every time I can, I tell my husband I love you, I miss you, and I prefer you the same as my daughters.
Receive my warm embrace from this beautiful Caribbean.🌞🌴
Exactly!! Blummin none!
And yet people can hardly take their eyes of screens, phones, gaming consoles or computers. It makes me wonder about the quality of their relationships. It's the individual's choice of course and the enlightened ones choose to put the phone down and live in an AR world (actual reality) over a VR world.
Becca 🌷
Well said, phones and technology have their uses and they are great tools. Though they also turn their owners into "tools", me included.
It's a pretty sad reality of modern life. For all the benefits, I think we'd all be so much better off without mobile phones and smart phones. My Dad is the only person I know that doesnt have one, numerous were bought for him and remained unopened, a wise man!
Your dot-points sum things up pretty nicely I think; sad, as you say.
Life without a smart phone is almost impossible, in the country I live in anyway, however I applaud those who don't have them. I leave mine home a lot, rarely have it beside me when home and once I've used it for whatever thing I have to, it's away, on silent, or off. People think I'm weird but I'm not, cute though, there's no doubt there. 😊
Becca 🌷
You're right, for me life without a smartphone would be impossible. I require 2FA for all the systems I use at work. I need to be contactable 24/7 for work. I use WhatsApp for all the coaching I do for my sons sports teams. Banking app swipe is required for certain card transactions. The list goes on and on.
My Dad is retired farmer so his needs amd habits are that bit different to mine, but I still have the height of respect for him for doing without a phone for all these years.
Modern life makes it difficult not to have a smart phone so I understand your needs; I have some of those too. It's sad though, I wish we were able to be less reliant upon them which is why I turn mine off, leave it home sometimes and in the other room when I'm home. It takes some effort, but I find it's become less of a habit to think about my phone. Not having any social media helps there too.
Becca 🌷
All very true, I don't use any social media either, an unbelievable waste of time. I do use Hive and Whatsapp though, but I am happy with those use cases, albeit I probably need to cut down my screen time, which is easily 12 hours+ a day on weekdays as my job is on front of screens all day, then there is my phone and the telly too
Screen time is an issue for many of us, especially because we tend to work on them a lot these days. Add in the social media thing and it can mount up. You seem sensible though, and that you're thinking about it means you'll probably do something about it.
Sorry for the late reply, it's been a busy week so far and I've not been able to open Hive.
Becca 🌷
This is so true. Seen many couples sitting together both buried in their phone.
I have a co worker who has been counseled to stay off his phone. To get around it he goes to the bathroom multiple times. Yes, sits on the stool. He even got medical note for it. The catch is he never went to the bathroom that much before though smh. It's only a matter of time someone will marry their AI device, lol.
Do you, iPhone 13 take Betty to be your lawfully wedded wife, to be held by, tapped, recharged and updated from this day forward.
Something like that.
I'm sure it'll happen.
Becca 🌷
Haha good one, it probably has happened already.
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