What do you think about technology? Now give the question true, complete thoughts. Probably, you’re mind goes to all of the good things: telephones, cell phones, and texting mean nearly-instant contact with whomever you choose, removing the hassle of walking/biking/driving; computers do the same as well as make research, math, and organization (among hundreds of other things) easier; television, DVDs, and Internet provide constant entertainment to even the most bored; cars, planes, and trains make transportation quite simple no matter where you plan to go.
But what about the consequences to go with those good things? Phones (especially texting) make us lazy. Would you have gone to see that friend, who is in a neighboring town or even a neighboring state, if you didn’t have fast, reliable, and energy conserving modes of transportation? Probably only once in a while, or maybe a few times per YEAR, which would preserve the excitement of spending quality time.
As a side note, I’ve recently learned that my sister, who is a freshman in the same high school I graduated from, is allowed to text people in class. It’s been nearly four years since I graduated, and the administrators then were very anti-cell phones. They didn’t even like them turned on if you left it in your locker… This is NOT right. Education is going even further downhill.
And how long would that five page research paper take you if you had to read through books to actually learn something, instead of just using Google to find the most relevant matches to your topic? Gosh, that would mean you would have to do some real homework, and spend some quality time in a *gasp* LIBRARY! With all those musty, old books, and the ladies behind the counter with nothing better to do than walk around shushing visitors. (Which, I’ve never met a librarian who shushed people, and I’m a 20 year old bookworm.)
Television and video entertainment add even more to the lazy population. After all, who wants to go outside and kick a ball around or jump on a trampoline when there are talking sponges, idiotic faux-high schoolers, and lame jokes to keep people (of ALL AGES) glued to the television. Life before these shows? There was one? Are you sure?
I’m all for technology, so long as its use is regulated properly. I have a 2000 Monte Carlo. I have an LG Rumor Touch that I love to text with. Obviously I have computer and Internet access, but I’ll even tell you it’s from my personal laptop running on the Highspeed Verizon Internet my family was introduced to early last year. I have shows that I feel I can’t live without, though I’ve proven myself wrong time and time again by missing an episode or ten and not dying.
It’s all about smarts and regulation, and I personally blame the adults in the world. The adults whose parenting skills are lacking, who are self-indulgent, and probably quite lazy.
That car you drive? Whether it’s an old ‘88 Buick something-or-other or a 2012 Ford blah-blah, whether it gets 12 miles per gallon or 40-something, you’re STILL injuring the planet. Don’t whine about how much money you’re wasting on fuel while going places; MAKE SMARTER TRIPS and use less fuel!
That cell phone that you’re probably using to access this blog right now? And the television in the background with the stupid sponge or barely clothed “women” in those music videos? SHUT THEM OFF! Go outside and enjoy the sunshine (with proper sunscreen so you don’t get skin cancer due to the lack of natural protection being slowly killed by the FUEL BEING USED). Grab your kid, or a neighbor, or a friend, and go for a walk. Go to the park and swing while you talk, really swing using your legs, not just sit on them like those “cool” kids do. Take your sister, brother, daughter, son, nephew, or niece outside and teach them to ride a bike, rollerblade, climb a tree, hit a homerun through the neighbor’s window and then run REALLY FAST so you can attempt to blame it on someone else. BE ACTIVE, because the more active you are, the more energy you have (its proven!).
Yes, I said I blame the adults. But YOU can turn it around by getting off your ass and making a difference in your own life.
Turn off the technology and go outside; you’ll be healthier for it. Conserve energy, especially fuel; both your budget and the planet will thank you. Spend some quality time with family and friends without distractions; you’ll end up happier, I guarantee it.
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