PLUGGED OR PLAGUED

We have a new epidemic for which there is no vaccine and it is an extremely contagious affliction. I have identified it as "inter-impersonal technology." The symptoms of the disease involve boredom with the "old ways," feelings of attachment to a touch screen, felt needs to know the instant details of the lives of others and a craving to spread personal news to anyone who may have insatiable curiosity about the soap opera-like lives of other people.

There are those who may call the above characteristics technological wonders and who would suggest that you're not "in" unless you are "plugged in."

I would suggest, on the other hand, that those who display the above characteristics are sadly lacking in true social connections.

So many people are bragging about the number of Facebook connections they have and feel like they have more prestige as the number rises. Most of those Facebook connections are about as likely to turn into true friendships as the possibility that Trump will become a Democrat.

Then there is texting as a poor substitute for showing real interest in someone else's life. It is easy. It is brief. It is a close to insincere way to check obligations off of your growing list of messages to be sent to your Facebook buddies. It takes much less time than really chatting with a friend.

I remember sending well thought out thank you letters after receiving gifts. I remember sending letters to friends and family while travelling. Now, there is this poor substitute called email. It is never hand written and is not on personally designed stationery....unless that design is picked from a computer generated bank of choices.

Surely, I may sound like a cranky old gal. but, I do have respect for social media and the global benefits it can provide. I have difficulty experiencing it as personal. It will never replace a call, a visit, a hug. What has happened to the times when people would leave their phones and knock on the door to say "hi" or to borrow that proverbial cup of sugar? I guess that not as many people are cooking these days but that is the subject of another blog.

Gotta go. My doorbell just rang. I hope it is more than the UPS driver.

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