A Community of Tech?

            My family recently invested in some technological upgrades. My wife and I have purchased our first Smart Phones. My family invested in a new satellite TV provider, which includes DVR and on demand movies and TV. I wonder at the access that we now have to technology and I wonder at the advances in technology. (I know some of you are laughing at me because you’ve had DVR and Smart Phones for some time, but we’re new to this.)

            On a more philosophical level, however, I worry that our fascination with technology may negatively affect our need for community. I grew up in a day and age in which school-age children spent their summers riding bikes, making up imaginary games, and participating in sports and other physical activities with neighborhood children. Today, children can have TV shows on demand, movies on demand, video games on demand. How will our fascination and reliance on technology impact how we relate with neighbors? Will we become more enamored with a screen (with images or words) than with our families? Will we experience all of God’s good earth and wonder from a video screen? Will we forsake outdoor play and exercise for Wii fitness?

            I also am concerned with how technology is changing our level of conversation. Although some technology can give us a common language (think of the popularity of Facebook and Twitter, or our ability to all see a movie or read a book), I do see two troublesome trends. First, while we may have access to common books or movies, our level of discussion regarding those books and movies is too simple or dumbed down. How often do you hear someone say, “I saw that, too. I loved it.” This is the extent of the conversation. There is little or no discussion or debate about thematic elements, moral implications of the choices characters made, etc. We have a common frame of reference, but our ability to process information and converse are detiorating. Can people go to the theater and afterward discuss the playwrights conclusions? Do we wantto (or even care to) discuss an author’s thesis or themes?

Second, since we are able to freely choose from a variety of media outlets (Ipods, Kindle Readers, Wii gaming systems, Blackberrys, 200 cable channels, etc.) we are able to customize our life experiences to such an extent that we seem unable to relate to others with a common experience. Gone our the days when ABC, CBS, and NBC held the market on what people watched on TV. No longer is there a handful of radio stations to listen to, or a handful of news outlets to bring us information. Now I can choose from TV, Internet, Smart Phone, E-reader to seach for news or plan my day. So in a very real sense, there is no “common” language or experience. It becomes difficult to discuss life issues, news event, or the latest book when we do not have a common medium.

            Another concern with technology is that I lose touch with the natural world and the society around me. Often, I am absorbed in the world of my computer, reading my Facebook home page, or reading news from my chosen digital news source to the exclusion of my family, friends, or neighbors.  I can become so interested in doing a Google search that I neglect taking a hike, or working in my yard to prune the rose bushes or rake the leaves. How often do I miss out on the beauty and sounds of the natural world because I am listening to a podcast on my iPod.

            I realize the irony that I am writing about the evils of technology and posting my reflections on a blog site. But the truth is that I am not arguing about the evils of technology. I am discussing our reactions to that technology. I love my Kindle. I appreciate the convenience of my Smart Phone. I like “connecting” with my Facebook pals. There are some great advantages we have because of technology. I am, however, concerned with what we might be sacrificing for the sake of technology.