Week 3 Part 3

Wow, Week 3 had three parts! I'm annoyed. I was enjoying these "23 things," but now I am not sure anymore. Technology has been helpful in many ways. I have to admit that technology has made some things easier. Getting access to more information has been the biggest benefit of technology. At the same time, technology has created more work. With the availability of so many ways to access information and the immediacy of obtaining results, the expectations of what can be accomplished have risen dramatically. One of the worst things that technology has created is the expectation of immediate gratification. Delayed gratification of waiting seems to be a problem with many of today's youth.
Take the cell/mobile phone. Most people have these. On one hand they have been such a great convenience, but on the other hand, they are a royal pain in the rear! Some people have their cell phones or the ear clips glued to their heads and talking perpetually. They don't always realize how rude they are being or how being on the phone is affecting their interactions with others. People think they can just call you anytime and expect to get ahold of you instantly. I remember when cell phones did not exist. When you were away from home, you had to use a pay phone and sometimes you had to stand in line and wait your turn to use the phone.
Kid's in school can't seem to exercise self control or restraint with their cell phones during the school day. At school, they are supposed to be turned off and out of site. Cell phones are a distraction. Kids continue to text each other or take out their phones to check the time. What ever happened to talking to a friend or writing a note? Whatever happened to wearing a wrist watch to check the time? Better yet, how but looking around the room for a clock instead of reaching immediately for the phone. I think society is raising kids with problems like ADHD.
I have embraced technology, but I exercise caution with some things. There was a time when I was caught up in the newness and novelty of new technologies. Today, I exercise self discipline and a certain level of restraint regarding the use of technological conveniences like the cell phone.