Technology has touched all of our lives and in many ways, has improved them. These days I think there’s too much emphasis on technology. A recent example drove this point home for me.
How do you know that you have too much technology in your life?
1. You are stiff and sore at the end of the day.
Sadly, this isn’t because I’ve been exercising intensely, it’s because I sit hunched over a computer screen for hours on end.
2. Hours go by and you haven’t accomplished much.
I’m a go-getter and I love getting things done! My morning schedule is good and productive:
**wake up early (can we say 4:30 am?)
**eat a healthy breakfast
**exercise intensely for 90 minutes
**spend an hour in quiet reflection and meditation.
Now I should be ready to take on the day, right? Well, before I know it, it’s dark outside and I haven’t accomplished much. This is not a good thing.
3. Feeling brain dead at the end of the day.
There’s nothing like the tired, yet exhilarated feeling after being outdoors all day. There’s also nothing like the relief after having a busy and productive day.
After staring at a computer screen for hours, my brain is frozen.
How about you? Are you aware when a technology “tool” becomes more than a means to an end, but an all encompassing activity?
Photos is courtesy of Kodomut’s Flickr Photostream under Creative Commons Licensing.
Nancy Loderick's Blog 
alancookphotography
February 23, 2012
Hi there, that’s an interesting post, try reading’The Cult of Information’ by Theodore Roszak… An incredible book based upon some the points you have mentioned. It was written in the mid to late 1980s but has such weight to it in the current context!
A
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Nancy Loderick
February 23, 2012
Hi Alan,
Thanks for your comment. I am always on the look out for interesting books to read and I will certainly check out Theodore Roszak’s book. Who knows, I may even write a book review on Amazon for it!
Nancy
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alancookphotography
February 23, 2012
Oops, and now I’ve see the rest of your blog I figure you probably read this already! A
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Nancy Loderick
February 23, 2012
Hi again Alan,
No, I was not familiar with ‘The Cult of Information,’ so thanks again for suggesting it to me.
Nancy
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Ken Loderick
February 23, 2012
It’s true that technology can take over your life and be a big time waster if you’re not careful. I try to make sure I use it in enough productive ways to offset the time I waste doing things like checking Facebook, etc. I especially like using my computer to track home expenses, financial stuff and recording things in my calendar. I also like to use it to educate myself on current events and the latest technology i.e. Windows 8. If I can do enough of these things then I don’t feel so guilty about the time I spend using the computer for entertainment or using Facebook to see what my friends had for dinner last night.
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Nancy Loderick
February 23, 2012
Hi Ken,
You’ve hit it right. I think the key to using technology wisely is to:
1. Have a plan and follow it
2. Limit your time.
Of course, I like to use Facebook to see what food you have eaten 🙂
N
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Bindu
February 24, 2012
Wow! Pertinent post, Nancy. I am (was?) interested in too many hobbies and activities. But I fear internet is stealing too much of my time, and I have almost neglected my hobbies.
There’s nothing like the tired, yet exhilarated feeling after being outdoors all day – true. I hate the holidays in this part of the world because I have to stay indoors all day.
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Nancy Loderick
February 24, 2012
Hi Bindu,
I am trying (so far unsuccessfully) to limit my time on the computer. I find if I ‘bribe’ myself and tell myself that I will go for a nice walk outside if I turn off the computer when I planned. It’s hard when the weather isn’t cooperating though.
Nancy
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Harriet
February 24, 2012
Hello Nancy,
I like your picture under the big (figuratively) mouse. It’s easy to get lost on the web. Certainly harder than the places I regularly go during the day. Take care. Harriet
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Nancy Loderick
February 24, 2012
Hi Harriet,
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your comment. As soon as I saw this picture with the BIG mouse squashing the little girl, I felt it perfectly captured what I was trying to say.
It is so easy to get lost perusing the Internet, even if your intentions are good.
Nancy
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