Smart Technology = Emotional Dummies

My grandmother moved into a retirement community this past weekend.

She lived alone for over 40 years. I could not imagine how she would possibly grow accustomed to living in a suite where, as soon as she stepped outside the door, the hallways would be full of people. I called her the day she after the move to find out how she was acclimating. She answered the phone breathlessly: laughing. She let me talk for about 20 seconds before explaining that she was entertaining a friend, and could I call her back later.

Apparently there are no fewer than three residents who went to the same high school in Chicago as she did, she already has a bridge game lined up for Tuesdays, and she’s met and spoken extensively with the majority of her neighbors. We went to lunch this week and told me how nice it was to have company again; no one seems to visit with each other anymore. I asked her why she thought this was the case. She said it was the pace of things; the world has become so fast paced people just don’t have time for each other anymore.

I probably know a handful of my neighbors; mostly ones with dogs who I see in the parking lot coming in from work or leaving for whatever. Admittedly, I remember more of the animals’ names than their owners’.  I do not completely absolve myself from blame, but I believe the real culprit is “Smart” technology. 

We live in a world where we primarily gaze at the top of each other’s scalps, when we are done checking Facebook while tweeting, e-mailing and sending text messages. Gone are the days of being able to hang out with your closest friends: discussing the world, politics, relationships, and musing about that amazing Tom Jones concert at the Cobb Energy Center that you had third row seats for.

I find myself on phone calls with my best friend where there are minutes of complete silence because I am looking at Facebook and she is still responding to work e-mails. I’ve had several unfortunate encounters, otherwise known as first dates, where my date has said, “excuse me” me to check on the status of his fantasy football team or update his Facebook. In these scenarios, I generally take my cell phone into the bathroom and contact someone who will most likely give me his full attention and make plans to get together in about an hour. 

We are a society with an over-developed sense of self-importance. Instead of having two-way discussions, we post our opinions and can opt to delete others’ commentary. I have no idea what color anyone’s eyes are anymore or what their “tell” might be when they are lying. This past year alone, I’ve been blown off by e-mail and commended for my irreplaceable friendship…through text message…on New Year’s Eve. While everyone says that technology is bringing us closer together, what difference does it make if everyone is staring at their own hand?