Are We TOO Connected?

I know I have always used this blog as a way to talk about Madeline so my friends and family could be updated. At first, every little milestone made me run to the computer. But nowadays, she can pretty much already do everything. She can walk, talk, run, sing... and though she says adorable things all the time, it seems like there isn't one specific story that MUST be told! So instead, I was hoping you could indulge me with something that has been bothering me.

I wonder if I am the right person to even write about the topic of how technology connects people. I resist it...most of the time. I don't text. I have never sent one. I don't know how to even read them. That is not in keeping with my generation. I rarely carry a cell phone. I email, but I would still usually rather pick up the phone and talk to a person. I online shop, but not as often as I go to real stores.

I keep asking myself, what are people texting about? What is so important that it can't wait? Do we have thoughts that we don't have to tweet, FaceBook, or tell others? I rarely carry a cell phone. I think if I make plans with someone, I would rather spend time with that person. If someone calls while I am out, I can call them back.

So what is it that keeps us feeling the need to connect to people on a near constant basis? Instant gratification? Longing for attention? Boredom? I just don't know.

And lost in all of this constant steam of knowledge about others is a real connection. I don't want to hear that my friend broke up with her boyfriend when I see her FB status change. I want to hear about it from her. Sure, if you throw something up there, I am voyeristic enough to read it...but do I really need to know how your farm, mafia, etc. is doing? Do I need to know what you are a fan of? Am I also obligated to be a fan of what you are a fan of to stay in your good graces? It isn't real. The FB relationships aren't meaningful. It is nice to "feel" like you are staying connected to your friends that you knew 10 years ago, but of my nearly 200 FB friends, I probably actually only talk to 30 of them with regularity. I bet if you really think about it, you don't have 200 real friends. I think FB should call it acquaintances.

So where does that leave me? I am considering canceling FB, or at least not checking it with regularity. I have been checking a lot less already. I don't begrudge people technology or cell phones, as it may seem. I think they have some great safety features. But mostly, I can give you a piece of advice: if you go out with me, leave your phone at home. Spend the time actually talking to the person you made plans with. Or, don't make plans with me. Oh, and if you think you are sly about your texting because you do it under the table...you're not. It is still just rude.