With technology taking over the world, is it still possible to enjoy the "simple" things in life?

Question

Technology is a good thing in many ways...it can help with education, it's vital for a lot of health care procedures, it creates jobs, etc.

However, it can be a bad thing in many ways as well. For example, look at the statistics of obesity in children today - they'd rather stay in and play video games, watch TV or be on the computer instead of being outside, playing and discovering in the "real world". Relationships are being hurt because of technology addiction (video game addiction, computer addiction, etc).

With all this technology, are we forgetting about real life?

What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

Yes, I believe people are bored if they don't have any of this to distract themselves, we have forgotten about having fun, using our own creativity to amuse ourselves, no real stimulation is happening, with people sitting around, we arent keeping fit the way we use to, so of course the brain isn't releasing endorphins that make you feel happy.

with email, people choose to keep in contact through a computer rather than using a phone or going to visit someone. we don't have the conversations that we use to cause we are so busy sitting behind a computer distracted and as a result relationships suffer as you say, I've seen people enraged if their favourite program hasn't recordered, like it is the end of the world. people having accidents to get home in time to watch a program, people swearing if their game mulfunctions, subliminal information from the tv doesn't help either in the communication process. so in regards to the simple life things have been so much more complicated through competition with these things, life becomes the storylines on tv, movies etc, rather than stories from real life events.

It is possible to enjoy the simple things in life if we remember what part in life technology plays, it is not significant, we have made a choice to be entertained by these mediums, rather than enjoying what is outside our doorsteps, I think it is a contributing factor to depression in that people are not getting enough sunlight to there eyes and not socialising enough with others.

Answer 2

This is a fascinating question, one that I think about quite often. You seem to acknowledge that technological progress is inevitable, and even though you begin by comparing the good/ bad aspects of said progress, your main question is whether we can still act HUMAN with the proliferation of such dehumanizing forces.

My guess is partly yes, partly no.

You're spot on about the obesity statistics; the figure will continue to rise with even more entertainment products coming out year after year. (Unless, ironically, technology provides an answer through the form of some magical "obesity reduction" pill.)

Relationships can suffer, certainly. I feel like technology also makes us jaded. Men pull up images of photoshop-enhanced pornography and then aren't inspired by the women they meet in real life. We watch explosive action movies on our high definition plasma TVs with surround sound and then yawn as we look at our own relatively unexciting lives.

However, I feel like certain deep human characteristics will not change so quickly. Our appreciation for natural beauty, for instance. Our desire to interact with REAL people instead of sketchy photographs or online gamers from across the world. And ultimately, technology gives us more time to explore these worthwhile pursuits. Instead of plowing the fields for 15 hours a day, we work for eight, have fun with technology for, say, 3, and then explore the "real world" with the remainder. It's still a net gain over what he had before, unless you consider plowing to be part of "exploring the real world."

It will be interesting to see where things are in 20 years, but I certainly don't anticipate any significant backlash from anti-technology groups. The source is a relevant article written by Theodore Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber. What the man did was despicable, but this manifesto that he had published in several newspapers across the country is actually fascinating reading (even though I don't agree with a lot of things he says). Anyhow, good luck trying to keep the "simple" things alive and well.

Answer 3

Ok that is a fair enough question. But do you realize how much "land" we have left to do things in without being charged an arm and a leg for . Lets be real, simple is good and probably will be limited to basket weaving , drawing and painting much like some of the social activities provided by the youth groups of today.

Answer 4

As far as your stance about obese children, I would have to say that is more of a parenting problem. Now I am by no means saying that the parents of the world are doing a bad job, by no means at all. I just remember my parents giving me limits on when I could watch TV or play my (original) Nintendo. My mother would say "It is a right, not a babysitter." I would have to say that in order to instill in the children that playin outside is just as fun, that using their imagination can be as stimulating as pixelated adventures, that they need to be taught that starting at an early age.
But on the other part of your question, the only way people are going to be able to just relax in nature and the "simple" things in life, they have to force themselves out of their normal routines, go for a hike, walk that 2 blocks to the coffee stand instead of driving... Taking "time" out of our busy days just to let life soak in.

Answer 5

It's definitely possible to teach kids about the simple things in life. Plus it's a fantastic opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children and teach them at the same time. For example taking kids on a nature walk. You can both learn about the plants, insects and animals that you see. Walks along the beach, especially where there are rocks with tide pools. Typically, one can find all sorts of sea life if you're willing to take the time to look. I feel that parents should really make an effort when children are very young to makke time to explore the natural wonders of our earth. It helps to build strong family bonds as well as an appreciation and respect for those things that are right there in front of us.

Answer 6

the increased tech--tb, video games, unlimited "ear" music, all do figure into obesity. As importnt is that lack of taskd, meaningful contribution to famly/community (team sports can be just as mind dulling if not obesity forming) I believe also leads to depression in adolexcents. the isolation, lack of physical activity (those endorphons just do not leap up)And lack of reality associated with the tech activities increase searation of person from culture, emotions, and can stimulate anger/rage based on the false premises presented by games/music etc.

Answer 7

Entertainment is very expensive nowadays..and I think electronics for entertainment is a reasonably cheap way to cope with that. However, there is a definite price to pay in overindulgence. Kids that can't pay attention, families not spending time together, and a general sense of laziness. I guess that's why they all come with an off switch.

Answer 8

Eeyore and Pooh are best of friends so I hope they are always happy. It's probably possible if there isn't any honey left and Eeyore goes ahead and finds some for Winnie the Pooh!

Answer 9

Of course. I have several friends who, by choice, don't have a cell phone, TV, or computer in their home. They'd rather spend the time with their family and friends doing real, not virtual, things.

Answer 10

Yes, it is possible to enjoy the simple things. Many people are ignoring the simple things.