In my work with college students, I’ve noticed that these days almost all of them have smart phones. I myself am smart phone user. Having a smart phone is very “normal” in the U.S. today, especially among twenty-somethings. Yet, I personally have very conflicting attitudes and beliefs about whether or not this is really a good decision for me, or for any of us. I’m not so sure that our culture’s growing dependence on these devices is entirely healthy.
On the one hand, I see the great potential for building relationships using these technologies. On the other hand I see the great potential they have to damage our most important relationships.
This brilliant 2-minute video by Charlene deGuzman perfectly illustrates just why I am concerned:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/OINa46HeWg8[/youtube]
Ouch. That was real, wasn’t it.
Even if this video doesn’t cause you to get rid of your smart phone today (it didn’t for me), I hope it does cause you to see what you may look like from the outside perspective. Think about it.
Are you spoiling quiet moments with your loved one by refreshing your Instagram feed one more time? Are you cutting a great moment short trying to take a photo or a video? Please don’t. Value the people you are with, not just the hundreds of followers who may or may not even care about your latest tweet, update, or photo.
Let’s not spoil our best memories and our closest relationships by trying to get a few more likes or followers. Even if you don’t get rid of your smart phone, at least turn it off more and for longer periods of time. Guard the relationships closest to you.
Credit: I originally saw this video on NPR here.