A sign of times changing? Good or bad?
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
United States
April 16, 2007 6:05pm CST
In light of the recent shooting in Virginia I took a moment to think about society as we know it at this very moment. I often find moments when I think people are so 'ridiculous' with their electronics and use IM'ing and texting and cell phones, etc. too much but today was an awakening for me. I have always realized how important these avenues of communication are but have often thought we've overused them. Today, thinking of my own daughter starting college this next year, I realized how much I would be thankful for these items. I could get on and IM her immediately, send her an email or call her on her cell to be sure she was ok. These same means were used during the 9/11 attacks, many people being able to make one last call to their loved ones and say they love them. Priceless moments indeed.
So I apologize to the world of electronics for ever thinking ill of you. I have come to realize that with all of the evils you bring with you to this world, you also bring a priceless comfort that we may otherwise have.
6 people like this
12 responses
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
17 Apr 07
Nicely put! Sure they are a nuisance at times- I often think the same-- Especially when I'm walking and I step out to cross the street and someone in a car driving with a cell phone to their ear-- almost runs me over! yes I know it is illegal to use a cell phone and drive (unless its hands free) but we do it still.
Then I think of the long boring trip home from work- and picking up my cell and chit chatting with my friend--- soon I'm home and I don't really remember how I got there! so it makes time fly too.
I love how my daughter can call me at any given time of the day on her cell to mine.
I love how I can send a letter to my brother in Iraq and it reaches him in minutes not weeks! and he can send one back-- outgoing mail is even slower- it takes up to 5 weeks!
I love technology! But at times I wish I could crawl into a hole and not be reached!
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
22 Apr 07
Isn't it simply amazing that we can reach our loved ones in so many ways from so far away?! I think I'm just in awe of the abilities we have sometime. The younger generation can't fathom NOT being able to be so in touch with each other. They never lived without the internet basically and just don't grasp that the world isn't truly as small as the internet makes it for us!
@Stiletto (4579)
•
17 Apr 07
Yes I agree with you. One of the many heartrending things that stay with me from 9/11 is the transcripts of some of those last calls. Ialso imagine that parents with children at that college in Virginia would be incredibly thankful for the ability to contact their son or daughter on their mobile phone to make sure they were ok.
I think the problem with technology like mobile phones is the misuse of them. Some of us get so irritated by others dependency on these types of gadgets that we lose sight of the potential benefits they bring to us.
1 person likes this
@fsustriker (826)
• United States
17 Apr 07
It is handy to be able to have these items on us 24/7 so were can always be in contact with those that we want. I really dont know what this world, well atleast the US would do without the devices we use everyday. I agree with you, on how these can be helpful in the time of need.
1 person likes this
@ironstruck (2298)
• Canada
17 Apr 07
The times are changing all right. And they are not getting better.
Incidents like the recent shooting were few and far between until they became media sensations.
If someone is bent on killing themselves, why not go out in a blaze of glory and have their story spread around the world?
1 person likes this
@prashantrjp (275)
• India
17 Apr 07
well as is good and bad relative so is change...all you have to do is choose a reference
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
17 Apr 07
I do think sometimes we carried away with them. It is times like these that we need them. It is so sad that we do. It makes things better if we can get through.
1 person likes this
@Island_Geko (3759)
• Canada
17 Apr 07
When I grew up I was not exposed to TV, music and radio. When I was bored I went out and played in the sun or went swimming (durning the summer) I was tought the value of right and wrong and yes I did get into trouble but it was nothing compared to what kids do today. Do I believe TV is to blame, some of yes, but a lot of it is based on parents no longer able to take control of the house hold and tell their children right and wrong. The goverment is the second problem they allow children more freedoms than children should have, parent should be able to control the house hold and parents should not be afraid to tell them they are wrong. Our children need more discipline.
1 person likes this
@lafavorito (2959)
• Philippines
17 Apr 07
Everything in this world have their advantage and disadvantage, it's up to us how to us them. Today with cellphones and IMs, it is easier for me to get in touch with my husband and friends while they are in their offices. We could see each other even though we're in different places by using webcams while chatting. It's good to know that you've come to realize the advantages of having one of these electronic items.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
17 Apr 07
The advancement of technology plays a very important part in our lives, safety, protection, comfort, ease, etc., usually the "latest" items are too expensive for me but if I wait a while the prices will drop then I can enjoy them with the rest of the world.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
17 Apr 07
You know when I read where people here are saying that cell phones are a luxury and not a necessity they are so wrong. We are living in a dangerous time and we need the ability to contact our loved ones when ever we want to. I totally agree with your views.
1 person likes this
@rx4life (1930)
• United States
17 Apr 07
We all suffer through times of patience testing when the electronic world in all it's abundance seems to be found at every turn in our lives...the grocery store..when you can't get into the dairy case because someone is blocking it while they solve the world's problems on their 2 way cell phone...and blessed are we ...we get to hear both sides... but I'm in agreement with you about the times of crisis and the wonderful abilities we now have to instantly find our loved ones when necessary...It does offer us peace of mind and for that I am thankful!!!! You use the term priceless comfort...and I don't think I can best that!!!
