The progress of technology in the last few decades has been astounding – the most basic of computers used to be out of most people’s reach, but now not only does everyone have one, but they fit into the palm of your hand.
It’s transformed the way we live, giving us instant access to all the information we could ever need or want, and giving us the ability to stay in touch with nearest and dearest at the touch of a button – even if they’re on the other side of the world.
So, this is obviously a good thing; enhancing relationships, enabling learning… But there are times when having all this at your fingertips is not a good thing. Come on, we’ve all been here…
For some people though, the line of acceptability is a doe on the horizon. Enter awesomebabyname.com, a site that tells you what names are available for your baby based on domain availability. Which just goes to show the extent to which some people’s lives have become intertwined with technology. Maybe it’s just me, but this seems like things have gone a bit too far.
Given that there have been studies to prove that spending too much time engrossed in technology is bad for our eyes, can cause anxiety and depression, and reduces our physical activity and levels of patience, it seems crazy that we are happy then for it to pervade every area of our lives – and positively encourage it to be part of life from day one. Or before.
Whilst technology of course has its benefits and there’s no denying that it’s a big part of both leisure and working or learning life, surely it’s best to take some time away every now and then.
By encouraging our children to be part of the digital world from the time they’re born, are we helping them by giving them access to a world of knowledge and power to stay in connected with people, or are we hindering them? Will it be to their detriment that many of them will never experience the outdoors and the real world in the same way that those of of us who are 30 and above did as children?
What do you think? Do you get the jitters when you’re away from your phone, or can’t access social media?
