Let me preface this by saying that I am all for technology! I can proudly admit that I am addicted to my Blackberry and when it’s not close by, a wave of utter panic overwhelms me! I spend more time on Facebook than I care to admit! I keep in touch with my friends and family mainly through email, text, and yes, Facebook!
I’m not much into calling people or talking on the phone. It’s not like I don’t enjoy a long conversation with a friend, but life gets so crazy and schedules don’t mesh. A text or email is so much easier and less intrusive!
Yet even as a Techno fan, I have found that the times have dramatically changed, and I must admit that I find it all a little disheartening.
I celebrated by birthday last month. It was not a milestone such as 40, 50, or even 60, but it is MY personal special day that I celebrate once a year!
On my special day, I realized that technology has stolen the human touch from our lives. While on Facebook the night of my birthday, I spent a good 40 minutes responding individually to each birthday wish that I received from my Facebook friends. Many of the wishes were from high school friends (who I have not seen in 30 years) and Farmville neighbors. Of course I had messages from friends, co-workers, and family. Not so much family though. My guess is that they have a life and didn’t go on Facebook to realize that it was my birthday (or they didn’t care that it was my birthday).
Upon taking an inventory of the birthday greeting cards I received, only TWO were real “go to the store and choose a card” type. One was from my mid-80′s aunt who has never missed my birthday or wedding anniversary in my 48 years in this world. The other card was from my dear husband. Pretty sad, huh? And we wonder why the Post Office is running in a deficit!
Here’s the rundown on how the wishes were received:
- Two physical “hold in your hand” greeting cards,
- Three ecards,
- Five text messages – including one from my brother,
- Three short birthday emails, and
- 205 Facebook messages!
I did receive two birthday phone calls… One was from my darling 84 year old mother-in-law and the other call was from All Star Mitsubishi (although it was recorded, I still HAD to count it!)
So what’s my point here since I am such a huge techno fan? I guess it was a lesson learned. I need to be more social. I need to pick up the phone and actually TALK to my friends and family. I need to write a letter, stick it in an envelope and mail it, and I need to visit a Hallmark store to see what kind of cards are out there. That is assuming I can find a Hallmark store among the Best Buys, Verizon Wireless kiosks, Apple stores, and Internet cafes!
