Look Up

It's About Family

There are many amazing things that we can do with the technology that is constantly available at our fingertips. Information on every subject imaginable is just a Google search away. With a few clicks, we can connect with relatives and friends that are thousands of miles away. We can share news, photos, recipes, and even our beliefs. Most of us are well aware of all the good technology can do. But we need to be sure we are just as aware of the risks. As we continue to plug into the vast world of the internet, we are beginning to unplug from our families.

Renowned clinical psychologist Catherine Steiner-Adair shared these descriptions of technology interfering with life at home from the perspectives of two elementary school children:

"A lot of time at home when my parents are home and on their computers, I feel like I’m not there, because they pretend like I’m not there...they’re not even talking to me, they just are ignoring me. I feel like, ughh, sad [sigh].” (Ava, age 7)

"My parents are always on their computers and on their cell phones. It’s very frustrating and I get lonely inside. When my dad is on his phone I have this conversation in my head: “Hello! Remember me? Remember who I am? I am your daughter! You had me cuz you wanted me. Only it doesn’t feel like that right now. Right now it feels like all you care about is your phone!” (Annabel, age 7)

Unfortunately these are not isolated incidents. Annabel and Ava’s thoughts could be shared by your daughter, your son, your parent, or your spouse. We need to turn off the technology and turn toward our families.

Social Media Connects Us

Some would argue that thanks to social media, we are actually more connected than ever. Our connections are just different. I agree, to an extent. There is good that comes from social media. It allows military families to connect with their loved ones who are deployed. It provides a way for grandparents to stay involved in the lives of their far-flung grandchildren. Those are valuable connections that social media can improve. The problems come when we can't put down our phones and tablets even when we are having conversations with the people who are in the same room with us. Do these people look connected to you?

We are more connected than ever. People that are thousands of miles away can communicate with us instantly. And people in the same room may as well be thousands of miles away. 

Connect Us Everyone

Have you seen this new commercial that came out for the holidays? Kind of makes me sad.