The term social networking is used so often in today’s society that the majority of technology users think they grow socially as fast as their friends-list expands. A short ride on a public bus or train tells a completely different story. On one side of the bus sits a group of friends that are supposed to be hanging out together, yet all they do is play with their cell phones, text other friends, or browse YouTube. On the opposite side of the bus lies a group of strangers completely engrossed in their music, blocking all attempts at communication by placing ear buds in their ears. Why, if technology is meant to bring us together and allow humans to socialize, do we use it instead to socially isolate ourselves? The solution …show more content…
I know a lot of you will have a hard time with this, feeling like you are not being rude, but acting within today’s norms. Allow me to say this: norms can be changed for the better. Become a geek with high standards, and help that become the norm!
With the world at our hands, it feels like a constant need to have that world in your hands at all times, connecting you to the World Wide Web. Introduce self-control. It won’t be easy; changing a bad habit never is. The next time you sit outside, sharing the sunshine with a friend, leave the cell phone in your pocket. Leave the iPod in your pocket and out of your ears. Do your best to hone in on your friend, letting nothing distract you.
Just as we learned from fables as a kid, we learn from stories, more than any other source, today. Let the stories from your friend or that neighbor in the bus take you away from your world and use that lesson in your world. Realize that technology can be a convenience, but, too much of a good thing is never really that