I consider myself a reasonable human being, and I attempt to lead a balanced life. However, in recent years I’ve noticed a detrimental habit creeping into my world, and as I write these words, I’ve succumbed to the magnetic pull of a digital screen. Electronic devices reign supreme. I am drawn to them like a moth to a flame.
As a young person, I avoided too much TV. The allure of a new book always trumped the tube, and I was blessed to be raised in a small community where it was safe to roam the streets until sunset. I spent plenty of afternoons outdoors, and my television watching was limited to thirty minute sitcoms like The Cosby Show or The Brady Bunch. As an adult, I still restrict my television viewing to a couple of hours a week. Instead, computer devices consume my time and attention.
So,
what’s the attraction? Why do I gravitate towards my laptop, my I-pad, and my
smartphone without hesitation? Is it availability? Is it necessity? Or is it
just a lack of self-control? The devices beg for engagement. They require my
mind to actively seek meaning, and often I justify my screen-time by claiming
they make me more productive. Even as I compose this sentence, I’ve stopped
three times to check the updates on my I-phone. Yikes! I’ve got issues.
If I
chose to, I could be writing this blog in my personal journal. Instead, I’m
composing it on a screen and posting it in a public forum. It seems as though
my brain craves the clicking sound of the keyboard, the illuminated fluorescent
back-light, and the ding of a new message appearing in my in-box. I’m like
Pavlov’s dogs, salivating and hungry.
This
week our school district is hosting its annual summer technology conference. I
plan to attend all three days. I look forward to hearing about the latest
advancements in digital learning tools, and if I were a betting woman, I’ll probably
find some trendy, new website or app I can’t live without. I’m like an
alcoholic traipsing off to a local bar. The proverbial high awaits, and a
buzzing feelings stirs within.
They
say the first step is admitting you have a problem. Well, let me introduce
myself. “Hi. I’m Tenille. I’m a
technology junkie.” Maybe I’ll Google a 12-step program for those afflicted
by this addiction. I wonder if they have online support groups.
I should have known that I this picture was connected to a blog post
ReplyDeletewhen I saw it in my Instagram feed and was intrigued by it. I'll never forget when I was giving a presentation for the district and I casually admitted that I was a "tech junkie." There were a very sets of widened eyes in the audience for sure.
I don't think you have any issues. In fact, I know you don't. I'm glad you chose this medium for writing because I wouldn't be able to read your words and gain the extra knowledge if it was all written in a journal. (At least without showing up at your house unannounced and asking to read it. And that would be strange.)
Love your use of metaphors throughout this post. I love the way you think, Tenille Shade!