Yes, I see the irony. :) I actually don't think the internet is all bad, but I often wish that web technology had stopped before smart phones were invented. There was a certain innocence, a freedom about the early internet. It hadn't been co-opted by corporations and governments, for one. Anyway, I think about this often, the gifts and problems that the internet has brought to us. All I know is that I felt so free for the year I has no internet or a smart phone when I lived in Portland--just not tied down, and almost more... grounded. Does anyone know what I mean? What's your opinion on the internet?
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That's true, the access to information is definitely a plus. But I can't believe that all of the middle schoolers had smart phones! Man... It's true, is life through a screen really life at all? *fist bump*
That's true, the access to information is definitely a plus. But I can't believe that all of the middle schoolers had smart phones! Man... It's true, is life through a screen really life at all? *fist bump*
Lauren, I would certainly echo the sentiment about feeling more "grounded" when off-line. I find the internet useful in terms of readily available information, but recognize some of its biases and worse, its addictive aspects. I lament seeing so many people with their noses in their phones almost continuously. The lovely art of truly being with another person and interacting with them, or interacting with the wonderful "real" things the planet offers us--no substitute for that. I once chaperoned a group of middle-schoolers on a museum field trip. Almost all of them had cell phones. At each exhibit, out came the phones and countless pictures and videos were taken. Few kids (except those lucky enough to NOT have a cell) interacted with the exhibits directly--looked at what was in front of them, taking it in with their eyes, ears, and souls. I for one don't want my experiences first being filtered by any screen. Luddite and proud!