In Powers' interview with NPR, he explains the premise of his book. He notes technology does not just refer to electronic devices; technology has been revolutionizing (and causing anxiety in) society since the beginning of time. Paper was once a new technology that has now assimilated comfortably into our daily lives. We're still toying with the idea of constant connection via the Internet.
Powers advocates the benefits of the new, but he also opines "if we're constantly toggling between people on Facebook and texts and all these new ways of connecting all day long and we never have a sustained connection, it's not really connectedness."
I recall from the lecture I attended that the author was agitated by a pattern he saw in his home at dinnertime. Following each meal, rather than trying to prolong relaxation together, each person in his house would one-by-one trickle away to their own spaces with their laptops, cell phones, etc. The author and father was alarmed by his family's detachment.
Did he cut the cords on everyone's chargers? No, there is good in technology that would have been lost, but over-stimulation takes its toll. Powers promotes balance. Every weekend, Powers' family engages in an "Internet Sabbath" by disconnecting the modem and shutting off cell phones. He believes it gives them the perspective to make his family and himself grateful for what they gain through Internet use.
For me, the idea of a weekly "Internet Sabbath" is romantic, but impractical. It would be irresponsible for me to be away from my email or give up a day to work on an online assignment, not to mention for my parents who are on call most of the time. It's definitely manageable for the duration of one mealtime, however, and I don't see how it could hurt to try a mini-tech-Sabbath out.
I agree that over-stimulation is a very common problem, particularly for our generation. With school, work, and even socializing revolving around communication via technology, it becomes increasingly difficult to turn away from cell phones and the Internet without feeling isolated. You mentioned Powers' belief that using varied forms of connection (cell phones, etc) to contact people is "not really connectedness"; alternatively, I feel that there is still connectedness in social networks and texting conversations, even though it takes a different form. As long as these technologies are still used with the intent to communicate with others, they still provide people with means of contact. Further, these technologies can help increase communication among people who cannot physically see each other on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the concept of mini-Sabbath is also impractical, despite its theoretical benefit for today's generation. A good alternative could be to try to reduce one's use of Internet on the weekend instead of eliminating it for good, in order to strike a balance and maintain the social norm of communication.