Technology, and how it impacts our lives today

There is something about modern couples that is just.. sad.

So I was out today with a friend when we noticed a couple had sat in silence since the time they got to the restaurant, and were on their phones the whole time until their food finally came. Then guess what happened...  they took their phones to take pictures.

'Let the phone eat first.'

See, that's the thing. Social media has become a part of us, too much to the point where we think they are more important than the person sitting in front of us. Even the phone eats food before us!

A photographer, Eric Pickersgill has recently done an amazing collection of photos. He took pictures of  people and removes their gadgets, to show how reliant we are on gadgets.

Here are some of his pictures:

Mother-Daughter Time

Couple Time

Especially the younger generation

( You can find more from this article: Photographer Eric Pickersgill )

As one can see, it is without a doubt that gadgets make our life easier, but they have also become a social problem. One of the problems I don't like is when you're out with friends, and they're always on their phones. Granted, I am guilty myself of such conducts but it's really annoying when it happens to you doesn't it? I am really trying to change this bad habit of mine as well. 

If you're in a group, and the topic does not interest you, I understand. But if someone is directly talking to you, and you're on your phone, that's just plain rude. 

When friends get out together, it's funny to see everyone together but together using their phones! Everyone is busy texting someone. What happened to the good old days of verbal conversations instead of whatsapp texts and Facebook posts. Sure, it's great to discuss about current news and events but don't always be on your phones. I highly doubt someone called you out to watch you use your phone in front of them. 

Someone else wrote a great article about this, and it's true! We do not own technology but are slaves to technology! Hong Kiat's article on Tech Addiction One of the interesting points he writes about is our attention span. We can no longer focus on one thing only, but need multiple things to happen at the same time. This does not mean we're multi-taskers, it simply means we have lost the ability to focus!!  This is by all means, a dangerous feat. Imagine everyone that's driving, losing focus! :/ Sounds ridiculous but how many of you use your phones while driving at the same time? TOO MANY.

The Dailymail calls us a Gadget Addicted Generation in their article of Are we a gadget addicted generation?' Clearly, I am not the only one who thinks so. You might deny but we are, really really addicted to our gadgets and the apps. When you lose your phone, you'll realize how addicted you truly are to your phone.

It's even more ironic when the person in front of you 'tweets' about how she's enjoying her meal when really, she's in front of you and a bored expression is shown on her face. Just don't. Enjoy your meal, savor the tastes! You paid for this people!

It really is fine if you want to use your gadgets, and paint your Instagram pretty, Facebook and Twitter happening but don't forget that you have an actual life beyond the realms of technology. 

So my friends, whenever your phone vibrates with a text, think before you grab that phone. Think if it is really necessary for you to pick up that call or reply that text. Of course, no one likes to be ignored by a call or a late reply, BUT, if you're in class, or you're having an important conversation with someone, lay off your phones for awhile. Give someone the same amount of attention you would want them to give you. And, you might find yourself to be really enjoying the moment instead of just faking it to make it sound like you're living a good life via social medias.

Maybe more restaurants should be doing this:

Of course, I think we need a better system as compared to that xD Maybe a system where we can make sure no one's phone is stolen. Like this teacher

So my friends, appreciate the company, 

the friends that hang out with you because they took time off their busy schedules to humor and entertain you; 

the family members that love spending time with you and enjoy conversing with you. 

If you're alone, then make new friends. It doesn't hurt to strike up a conversation with the cute girl or guy sitting across your table!

My point is...

Don't get gadget addicted. It's baaadddddd.

Love,

Tasha Lim