Surviving the Technology Era

Over the last 50 years, the world has undergone a change so rapid most generations are still trying desperately to catch up. We have entered a new communication technology era. Today we are affected by one another inevitably, economically, politically, socially, and culturally. We have established interactive networks so complex we have ability to get the latest and greatest immediately, connect with someone around the world in seconds, and have luxury (or annoyance) of being available for contact every minute of every day and day. The introduction of these new systems, the Internet, cell phones, chat groups, video games, etc. have influenced our cultural identities and relationships immensely. Yes, in a sense, they have made many tasks easier and more efficient, but it seems as if something is missing, something that reminds us we are human beings, not machines. Is this new technological era of fast- paced news flow and the deterioration of human-to-human contact truly a blessing or a curse? Why is it social gathering sites are the most popular pages on the net? Why is it that that eBirthday card just doesn’t feel as good as the real thing? Why is it sometimes we just need someone to hug and talk to? Because we are human beings, not some piece of equipment devoted to nine waking hours of productivity in an office, where our personal relationships slowly become an annual conversation usually falling on the other party’s birthday. Various components of this new technological communication era are allowing for a dismissal of the one innate component most desired by everyone on the planet, physical interaction. This simple concept is what keeps us unstable creatures sane, to know we are loved, to know we are appreciated. Close out the eCard, take the time to send the real one, it makes a difference.