I was reading a book this last week. (My favorite book ever, btw.) And it's set in the early 1800's, in the California Gold Rush. While reading, I thought about the changes of society thanks to technology. They had to send people to alert others, because there were no phones. They celebrated intimately, because there was no Facebook. They were not worried about sharing every detail of their day or their life, because they didn't feel the need to "Live Tweet" anything. They found the simple pleasures and enjoyed each other. I wish we could go back to that.
Technology changed the way that we communicate. While it may be super convenient to text or call someone to remind them of an event, or ask them if they are running behind, it sucks. People have become so flaky! When we say that we are meeting at Red Robin at 7, we should be able to trust that they will be there! But thanks to the ease of technology, we just have to hope that they remember you and show up.
It also changed the way that we celebrate. Weddings were a joyous event that included the close family and friends that were able to come. They were filled with love and laughter, and that is all that mattered. There were not huge receptions, including hundreds of people that you barely know, yet are still involved through air waves and the internet. There wasn't a need to out do everyone else in weddings. You didn't sit online for hours, judging one person's wedding pictures to the next. You planned what you wanted, and enjoyed each other. What happened to us??
My dad gets so frustrated with people who feel the need to alert Face Book of their every move. He'd always say, "I don't need to know when you pooped last!" And he is soooo right! We share too much in this 21st century society. There is no such thing as a private life anymore. And honestly, that is rather sad.
Mostly, its just amazing how we have changed in terms of social norms, thanks to technology. We are always comparing ourselves to others, and trying to do better than the last person. There is not so much intimacy, and tenderness. And we are always flaunting our lives. It makes me sad. I think I'll take a little break from as much social media as I do.
Also, if you haven't seen the American Idol auditions, you need to watch this girl! Shes amazing, and her song is incredible! It's called "21st Century Machine" and it follows how I feel on this subject so much!
