MizFit recently wrote a post about her plan to implement three technology-free nights per week. I admire her quest to be more present in her life, and I thought a lot about her challenge to her readers to put aside time for family with no TV, cell phone, computer, or game system.
I came to the conclusion that, at least for my family, technology can often help me be more present. Take for example the time we lost power for about 6 hours. We played cards and board games and read books. All wonderful activities (that we do all the time when we have power). All requiring me to be present and focused on nothing but the family. But then we read something in a book that my son wanted to know more about. He had lots of questions that I couldn’t answer. But the Internet could answer. And we didn’t have power. By the time the power came back on, he had moved on to something else and I didn’t remember right away to follow up on his questions. By the time I did remember, the intrigue had passed.
Technology can inspire my kids to get more exercise, help them learn just about anything, and inspire an interest in something new. If my husband puts on Wii tennis or baseball, the kids want to join in. The internet puts a recipe, a science experiment, an instructional video, and an educational game at our fingertips. Television offers exceptional historical programming and exposes us to places, activities and events we might never get to experience.
Yes, TV, video games and the internet can be time-sucking, mind-numbing and addictive if you choose to use them that way. But they can also be engaging, social, motivating, and educational. I believe we need to stop blaming technology for family disconnect and learn how to use it effectively to connect the family.
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting thoughts… I agree with you that technology in itself is not the problem with “family disconnect”, it’s all about how you use it.
We have a playstation, but the games we have are interacxtive “social” games like the Buzz quiz games and Singstar. Those are great family fun.
And the internet… well! What can i say – I’m a blogger! (where would I be without my blog fix???) I’m all for technology and using it to our advantage, rather than letting it dictate to us.
Happy Saturday Sharefest :)
Simone´s last blog ..Always Be My Baby
Twitter: mizfitonline
April 17, 2010 at 5:22 am
thanks for the linkage and the thought provoking post.
You make so many valid points and ones with which I do entirely agree (hence the 3 nites a week unpluggling and not, say, IM THROWING OUT MY TV :)) I know for us many times technology (at night) can teeter on the verge of being a babysitter (for the 4 year old) and does become a way of avoiding interaction with each other.
during the daytime it seems my fam. knows how to manipulate technology into a good thing and a deft teaching tool.
something happens when that sun goes down….
:)
Carla
I agree with you completely! Technology can be a powerful tool, or just another time waster, depending on how you use it. We should be teaching our kids its value rather than only seeing it as a bad thing!
(and happy Saturday Sharefest!)
Years ago we got rid of our TV and we have not had it since (16 years maybe?) In the last couple of years we actually bought a “TV” but the only thing we can do with it is watch video’s and my son did his homeschool by DVD as well. Personally – I wish we would even get rid of the video’s but that is not my decision. The computer is another story – we have it and I do believe it is a time waster and is probably more dangerous to our minds than the TV but it wasn’t “what we were watching” but “how much”. The same holds very true to the computer. I know that I spend way too much time on the computer and it is something I need to work on weaning myself away from. In today’s environment it would be very difficult to live without a computer – especially internet. Which brings up one other thing – we live in the country so running to the library can be very costly – especially at today’s gas prices. I also have the ability to shop online because I really have nothing local. Technology is all in how we use it and we have to remember to keep all things in moderation.
Twitter: birthstory
April 17, 2010 at 8:38 am
I love books and quiet time, but I agree with you– the Internet has changed my life. I love having a dispute about something that we can resolve with a Google search. I love connecting with people I would never sit down and write a letter to. And I love meeting people through forums like this one. Happy Saturday Sharefest!
Twitter: redheadranting
April 17, 2010 at 9:14 am
I agree with both sentiments. Unplugging is good, I usually do it on the weekends and in the summer I am hard pressed to go online for anything but work. However, my son has learned so many things about physics, computer programming and other geek type stuff that I am amazed. And because of all this knowledge he has found he is my go-to guy when I have a crash or need help with my sites.
I totally agree with your post!!!!
Kristy´s last blog ..Lovefest! For Mama!
Twitter: fromtracie
April 17, 2010 at 10:53 am
I agree with you. It is all about how you use the technology…..it can be a great thing! We use the internet a lot to look things up for homeschool or just when my daughter wants to know more about something she has read or heard about. I think we would loose out on a lot of learning if we turned it off three days a week. That being said, there are times when I could probably walk away from the blogging and the facebook a little more often (I’m working on that)
Tracie´s last blog ..- Love for the Loney Family
I find I must make time to unplug and not only put aside time to be in quiet presence but also make time to be outdoors and in nature. It is calming to me to totally unplug from everything.
But I do agree with you about “blaming” technology for disconnect. First, one can always shift their attention and turn off the technology, and as you mention, we can (and for me I find must) be discerning in how we use technology.
I think this is important on the large scale, it expands beyond the individual and the personal to business, medicine, science, and government uses of technology. There needs to be more discernment in how and when it is used.
But the larger scale has to begin at the individual level, and if more individuals took time to be responsible and discerning in their choices, it would expand to the larger scale.
Thought provoking post, and thank you for your tips on SITS.
Aine´s last blog ..Present and Contemplative Friday
Twitter: boutiquemom
April 17, 2010 at 11:16 am
Hi there! Technology is a powerful thing . . .scary at times, too! Love your blog and love how much you support us woman bloggers . . .Thank you! Come visit sometime and say “hi”.
Erica´s last blog ..One Look and I Was Hooked!
Twitter: GiftDetective
April 17, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Great guest post on SITS!
I’m can see both sides of this issue and I think that purposefully unplugging three nights a week is perhaps only helpful for people seeking balance. If you already have balance you won’t find yourself needing to set aside time to unplug because you will be doing this naturally, right?
That being said I think that a lot of people DON’T have balance and could do with purposefully unplugging until they find themselves naturally more inclined to unplug. There is nothing worse than meeting a friend and then having them text and talk on their cell the entire time so that you didn’t actually have “face time.” I could think of more examples but you get the point. Unplugging is good and however you get there is better than not getting there at all!
Now, stay plugged in for a moment more because I’ve got a great Mother’s Day GiftAway over on my site – just visit this link for details: http://www.thegiftdetective.com/blog/archives/4429
Have a great weekend!
~ Alyna
Alyna, The Gift Detective´s last blog ..Mother’s Day Gift – Someday, I’ll Ask You
Twitter: solococo
April 17, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Stopping by from SITS! I agree, technology has its place. If I didn’t have my calendar connected to my phone I’d be so out of it. Allows me more free time with the kids.
Shell A.K.A. Panamamama´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesdays
Twitter: sewretrosoyou
April 17, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I can see both sides of this argument. I know I personally spend way too much time using technology but now I’m homeschooling and WAHMompreneur it’s an essential tool.
My husband works in IT and my oldest son is an IT student at uni so they are always using it.
For my youngest son his pc is his social life. He has ASD/Asperger’s and doesn’t leave the house very often as he can’t cope particularly well with socialising. However, he does talk to other gamers online when playing. Quite often he discusses educational things with them too so it’s not all bad. He also gets his exercise using the Wii Sports and Fit. One day I hope he’ll be able to cope more in the real world but until then I’m thankful for the fact that he’s able to meet others ‘virtually’.
Thanks for a thought provoking post. I am all about balance of both worlds, and my world tends to lean heavily on the side of technology often. I DEFINITELY agree that family disconnect can not be blamed on technology and that it is about how you use it. Personally I get sucked in to the mind numbing world of trash TV on too many occasions to “wind down” and expose myself to WAY to many advertisements in the process. Both harmless in small doses, but I believe toxic when exposure gets out of control.
I also think that there is something to be said for instant gratification to be delayed a little. Imagination can fill in the gaps between questioning and knowing in remarkable ways when given the opportunity.
Part of my family’s effort to reach balance is to cut the cable for the summer months (conveniently when hockey season is over – imagine that!). I also like to make conscious decisions to unplug from the computer as well.
Technology today is an amazing tool that links us all more closely than ever before. I think it is fabulous as long as we can strike a healthy balance – that being different for everyone I suppose.
MOMSICLE VIBE´s last blog ..Today’s Colours
Twitter: kdcevents
April 17, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest! Thank you for sharing the article on Domain Names. I am new to SITS and just learning the ropes. Looking forward to meeting new and fabulous people!
I have implemented in my home “No Technology” meals. That means no phone, ipod, nintendo ds etc. are aloud at any meal at the table. This gives us time away from everything to just focus on eachother =)
Denice C.´s last blog ..Tag…I’m It!
Twitter: mzjaziedaboss
April 17, 2010 at 8:07 pm
I believe with both sides!! Technology has it’s ups & downs. I think its best to find balance between the two. Personally I have to say I think it’s time my daughter and I get more one on one time.
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!!
Mz. Jazie´s last blog ..She’s Way Too Skinny
Stopping by via SITS – great post in both places! I use Blogger and didn’t even realize it was so cheap to buy a domain name through them. Hmm…things to think about….
Twitter: gigi927
April 17, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Really thoughtful post. I think you make some excellent points. I definitely use the net to excess and we are probably a bit too plugged in. But at the same time, we supplement my kids’ school work with excellent online schooling tools that are fantastic.
It’s all about balance. :)
gigi´s last blog ..UBP After-Party!
Twitter: beckydwriter
April 17, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Balance – still trying to get there. Part of our problem is that we have two grown kids still at home (student and a new career) and our bonus baby, our 7 year old. We only have one TV in the family room and have only basic, basic cable so that we can get educational and edifying stuff (since the “public” TV station programs aren’t fit for public viewing!). We still mostly watch movies together because its hard to find age-appropriate programming that works for all ages.
Our computers (we have four) are essential, though. We homeschool our youngest on one, run our home business and my writing business on another, our daughter has her photography programs on hers, and our son has his music and recording programs on his.
Having dedicated stations for each major component works well – I’m the one who is guilty of spending too much time online. As a business owner and a writer (and a blogger and a reader and a teacher and a closet medieval history junkie) I can literally get trapped in the web of the web.
Balance.
Thanks for your posts on SITS – always look forward to them.
Becky D
This is a subject that we struggle with. For me it’s about limits and balance and just knowing we are doing our best.
malia´s last blog ..Max’s BackStory Update
Twitter: lafindumondfarm
April 18, 2010 at 10:45 am
Hey there! Found you via SITS and did the whole domain name thing, but now I am completely lost. I am anything but computer savvy and it would seem my site has now vanished.
Are you able to help?
Twitter: scrappinmichele
April 18, 2010 at 7:20 pm
I am totally with you Shannon. I think you can let technology get the best of you, but if you don’t let it take over and you let it enhance your life, it can be a good thing. I think about the times where my kids and I have sat around wondering “something” and we go right to google and look it up and it is so much fun.
We couldn’t do that when I was a kid. We’d try to look it up in the encyclopedia, but most of the time we’d give up before we’d find it because we couldn’t find the exact answer. And then we’d just forget about it.
ScrappinMichele´s last blog ..Join Me at Blogalicious DC – Women in Social Media: Creating Your Digital Footprint
Twitter: youngwifestale
April 24, 2010 at 7:35 am
Good point. We should stop blaming technology. My youngest brother plays a lot of historical video games, and they literally helped him get A’s at school. Stopping by from SITS.
I couldn’t agree more! I think the most important thing is to be aware of the manner in which you are utilizing any form of technology. As an interactive tool, the internet, television and the like are amazing resources! When there stops being that interaction, though, is when you need to be careful.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post! Stopping by from SITS. :)
Amy @ Positively Splendid´s last blog ..Happy Friday!
Twitter: renewyourspace
April 24, 2010 at 11:19 am
I think it helps me more than it hurts me, but I defenately need to schedule my time away and not cave in (like I’m doing right now!)
Rene W.´s last blog ..What are you trying to prove by doing so much?
Ditto… we love technology, as just another tool for information and education… we often spend time discussing interesting topics with our kids (boys 12 and 14)… I especially like the creative applications…
Thanks!
Lisa
Lisa Berley´s last blog ..Fedora On!
Awesome Post – I agree to you..
keep coming with more of them ..
Thanks..
We had a TV in our dining room. Despite we always eat together, we hardly talk or make any conversation. When I went to my friend’s houses, in some cases they didn’t have a TV there. I believe that this is something that I will apply when I had children. This way all the family will have a time where we can share something.
{ 1 trackback }