I saw a woman texting while driving into the parking lot of McDonald’s yesterday, which again made me wonder why we all feel the need to be constantly connected. (Of course, I also wondered, as I always do with texting drivers, why they think they can text and drive well, but that’s a topic for another day. And, I wondered why this woman, who is older than me, managed to get sucked into this stupid and dangerous activity.)
But, back to our need to be constantly connected.
When I’m driving to work at 7:45 in the morning, I see several other drivers on their cell phones. Who are they talking to, and what could they possibly be talking about? I mean, the day hasn’t really even started. What is there to tell a friend or spouse or boy or girlfriend?
I’ve also seen students in the gym on campus talking on their phones or texting while working out. On the one hand, I’m impressed that they’re able to talk on the phone and still stay on the treadmill. But, on the other hand, I wonder why they can’t be disconnected for the short time they’re in the gym. And, I see many people walking for exercise around town, talking on their phones or texting.
When did we become a society that so desperately needs to be connected all the time? Perhaps it’s because I communicate with people using various techniques for about eight hours or so a day that I do not feel the need to be constantly connected at other times. It makes me wonder — how did we survive before e-mail and texting and cell phones and computers? Before you think I’m some sort of dinosaur, let me assure you that I appreciate — and use frequently — each of these modes of communication. But, we need to use them wisely and in moderation.
It’s about setting limits. I learned a valuable lesson last month. When I took my BlackBerry on vacation, what did I do? I checked it frequently and responded to work e-mails and sent reply texts. There was no emergency brewing while I was away, and if there were, the appropriate people would call me. I will not take my BlackBerry to the gym. Again, if someone needs to reach me, they know where I am. I don’t want to talk on my cell while I’m driving. I’m just not that coordinated. Plus, unless it’s an emergency, it can wait until I get home or to the office.
So, back to the original question. Why must we be contantly connected? Do we fear being left out of the loop? Are we afraid something will happen we don’t know about? Are we lonely? If you have a thought, please let me know.
