Lately, I feel as if there has been some sort of backlash against technology. The funny part is that people are using technology and social media to express their superiority over not buying into the latest gadgets. For myself, I enjoy what technology has to offer. I’m not the first on-line to buy the latest model, but I do like to explore new products. The important thing to remember is technology can be abused just like anything else that’s considered addicting. That does not mean that because someone owns a product that they are automatically addicted or spoiling their children. While technology can be distracting it can also be a very powerful tool. I honestly feel if we teach our children limits they can use it properly without falling into a pit of distraction. (Hopefully)
I love technology because:
10. all the information you could possibly want can be right at your finger tips. ( I stopped saying, “I don’t know.” to my kids and have replaced it with, “Let’s look it up!” And yes, while there is all this information available there is also misinformation. It’s important to learn which sites are reliable and how to fact check. Important skills for our children these days.)
9. even in the middle of the woods on a hike my kids have the ability to photograph plants and fungi that they want to look up when we get home. ( Remember film cameras? Wow- we’ve come along way and now even most phones are equipped with a camera. I love that they want to learn so much that they automatically use the tools available to them.)
8. waiting isn’t so bad anymore. ( Just the other day I unexpectedly had to sit for over an hour, and I was able to access my Kindle account on my phone and read! Not too long ago that would have been time wasted, instead I it was rich with literature.)
7. it helps people connect. ( Yes, I said it. I touch base with people from my past online and it’s wonderful. Sick days aren’t so isolating anymore. I wish that I would have been more connected when my boy’s were born. I found having a Winter baby so isolating and don’t even get me started on the month-long bed rest I went through at the hospital.)
6. I’m not afraid of getting lost anymore. ( I said a long time ago that I would never own a GPS, but since my phone has maps I use it. Sure, It gives me wrong directions sometimes, but I’m close enough that I can figure it out without panicking.)
5. sometimes all it takes is a simple app to help your child overcome a learning hurdle. (Two words educational games! Love them! The kids learn and they have fun. Don’t be so quick to judge that child playing on a phone or tablet.)
4. of things like Skype and Facetime! ( Remember being young and thinking about the day we would have video phones? I do. These wonderful technologies let people connect not just to chat, but to do things like witness their grandchild open a birthday gift. Priceless!)
3. it stops me from making impulse buys. ( My husband and I were going to make a large purchase while at a store, but I researched the item briefly and we didn’t buy it. I love that I can read reviews right in the store and make an informed choice.)
2. I can have hundreds of songs on a teeny tiny device or my phone or on my laptop in just 1 click! (I still have my Walkman around here somewhere. I did however get rid of the big case full of tapes!)
1. it’s given me an opportunity to work and still be a full-time stay at home mom. ( I love blogging and all the wonderful people who I have met both on and offline because of it. I truly wouldn’t have the wonderful life I do if it wasn’t for technology.)
Now to be completely honest there are probably a million things that I don’t like about technology, but I try to live by the saying, “Everything in moderation.” I don’t ignore my children or air my dirty laundry on Facebook. Teaching my children how to use a computer is truly as important as teaching them to read these days. I would be doing them a disservice by not allowing them to explore what technology has to offer. Just this morning my 8-year-old son asked me about these slimy balls we found in the ocean while on vacation. I didn’t know what they were so I said, “Let’s look it up.” He replied with, ” Are you seriously going to Google slimy balls found in the ocean?” Sure why not? When we got photos of exactly what we saw he was amazed and an entire conversation about science sprung out of that search. Parental guidance is important. First you need to learn how to use the technology before you hand it over to your children.
Have you embraced technology or do you run for it?
Walter Milani says
That needed to be said! I have a few friends who used to put down all this technology and treated Facebook like it was a scourge. When they slowly realize they miss birthdays and events (and a recent wedding) that many of their other friends found out about immediately, I now see them sheepishly opening an account…
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Yes to all of the above – especially the waiting and even especially with the kids. How did we survive waiting rooms before iPhones and Kindles?
Debbie Denny says
Number 10 is the best reason. Love how kids get excited about looking up answers to their questions.
Allyson says
I definitely am a big fan of technology too, but also think sometimes everyone needs to unplug!
Milena Barrett says
Agreed- everyone NEEDS to unplug at times.
Dee says
I ADORE having a GPS – I could get lost in a paper bag, but the GPS makes me more confident. ๐
Milena Barrett says
Me too!
Lexie Lane says
I think technology still gets me to make impulse buys! For me, it’s better when I can touch and feel something. Sometimes I don’t pay any attention to the reviews and want to test them out myself. But great points for sure!
Laura Hinckley says
What a great reminder to embrace. I totally agree with so much of this post like sick days aren’t so isolated and the fact that impulse buying for me is at an all time low since I can research and learn if others had issues before committing. Thank you so much for the reminder.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I love it because it’s convenient especially on the go and really when I need my kids quite when I am at an appointment to keep them busy. Technology has it’s pro’s and con’s.
Gina says
I think technology is needed to a point. Think of our cell phones, we need those. How many pay phones do you see around? Everything is harmful in excess. It’s all about setting boundaries.
Pam says
Technology has improved so many people’s lives in so many ways. I agree- there are negative things about it, but it has still been extremely beneficial.
Annie {Stowed Stuff} says
I love technology. As a blogger, we have to, right? Like OBSESSED! But it’s my job!
Amy Desrosiers says
I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I miss doing things unwired at times, but computers and phones= my job.
Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack says
I am a big fan of technology. My kids have learned a ton from it.
Trisha says
I love technology for many of the reasons you do! I definitely embrace technology and and always look forward to new technological discoveries!
Shauna says
Ha, ha, ha… I love these… and love technology. I agree, being able to take and share a photo from pretty much anywhere is awesome. I also love being able to search for anything
Liz Mays says
I embrace it but I also feel chained to it. I really miss the freedom of being disconnected.
Lois Alter Mark says
What did we ever do without technology? It adds so much to our lives – no wonder it’s so addicting!
Maria Oller says
I really love how internet keeps me close to my family even wen we are 4k miles away, I can talk to my dad and my sisters all day long =)
StacieinAtlanta says
GPS and Google Maps are really pretty amazing things if you really think about it. I think back to my teenage years, going on road trips with all of the cumbersome maps, getting lost anyway lol. It is a different world now.
Danielle says
I have learned to love technology, simply because I have started blogging – and that is what I love. Electropollution, admittedly, is a huge concern of mine. All of these awesome devices are microwaving our bodies at the cellular level. So I am very diligent with my time, and have our internet company set strict guidelines as to the extent of reach of our wifi (ie: it does not go down the hallway or near the bedrooms). And I may be a bit old school still… but I still only bring activity books and coloring books when we go on outings. No devices for the little ones, yet ๐