Tech Zombies

I made mention, in the introduction above, to the screen lit faces of the average American. Here’s my theory. The expansion of technology is an amazing display of human capability and creativity. Never before have we had such resources at out fingertips on an everyday basis. Smartphones and tablets allow us to do some amazing things, navigate a new city, find the best local restaurants, or even design a blog. This sounds like an iPhone ad, but it really is true. For all of technologies advancements, however, it ends up holding us back. 

Have you seen the videos lately of someone texting while walking (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl0JojWH1rQ)? It usually ends in the texter slamming into a door or a pole or even falling into a manhole. First of all, why would you walk anywhere without looking where you’re going? You’re just asking for a nut shot from a fire hydrant. According to an abcNews story, over 1,000 people were admitted to the ER in 2008 with injuries suffered as a result of walking while using their phone. My point, however, isn’t how dangerous it is to distract ourselves while in transit. What astounds me is the level of dependence we have on these little computers. Some people can’t look away long enough to avoid a low hanging tree branch, and while the rest of us are certainly enjoying the cartoon humor, it is a sad reality. 

Before I delve further into my argument, I would like to assure you that I am far from innocent as far as smart phone addictions go. I have fantasy sports apps, blackjack, even twitter (follow me @bennny_bos) on my iPhone and am sometimes quite distracted by technology, ask my girlfriend. I’m not suggesting you climb to the roof of the nearest building and ceremoniously fling your devices over the edge singing “Video Killed the Radio Star.” What I am proposing is a tech hiatus every once in a while.

It requires great intelligence and creativity to imagine, design and construct the devices we spend our hard earned money on. However, if you aren’t involved in the creation of tech devices, they are most likely sucking the imagination from your skull (think the scene at the end of Aladdin when Jafar is vacuumed into the genie’s lamp like a big red dust bunny). You cease to exist as a human entity when you have shut out your environment to stare at that screen. It’s no longer just “vegging out,” as we all like to do in front of the TV, because the device comes with you at all times and you are literally plugged into it so that you can’t hear what’s going on around you. You have entered into a lesser realm of existence. You’re a tech zombie. 

Creativity is sparked by your surroundings, through observation and unique patterns of thought. Having your own ideas and experiences is paramount to breaking the spell of technological dependence. What I suggest (and try to practice myself) are a few simple guidelines:

       Don’t whip out the device just because you’re bored; try reading a book or magazine instead. There is something honest and pure about holding an actual work of literature (just think great men and women like Abraham Lincoln and Marie Curie once read books).

       If you’re listening to music, have it at a level that allows you to still be aware of your surroundings and (gulp) possible human interaction.

       Every once in a while go for a walk…and leave your smart phone behind. Crazy notion, I know, but you’ll quickly discover how freeing this can be.

       Lastly, if you’re on a date or spending time with friends and family just leave the phone in your pocket or even tuck it away in a drawer so you can’t see it. 

I read an article in Men’s Health that even stated electronic stimulation can stunt your sleeping patterns. They suggested turning your devices off for a little while before you turn in. So, shut the computer screen, lock the iPhone, turn off the TV, and dust off your collection of Harry Potter books (probably brush your teeth too). Being a zombie isn’t cool, no matter what Kristen Stewart tells you.