It’s safe to say we live in a digital world.  I mean, my grandmother texted me last night!  Personally, I love the digital world.  I love being able to catch up on the news without needing my TV.  I love watching my favorite TV show from my smartphone on that Saturday morning when I just don’t want to get out of bed.  I love staying connected to family and friends who might be down the street or an ocean away.

The Good:

Yes, when I was a child there were not any cell phones.   Somehow I survived!  I was able to meet my parents to be picked up after school.  I was able to find my friends at the mall without texting “Where u at?”.  I was able to look up information at this really cool place called a library (they still have those right?).   With that said, those days were different.  Today, both parents in a home maybe working, so juggling three kids may be a little easier if they can stay connected.  I personally am always on the run, so sometimes my coffee dates with friends are last minute decisions and a simple text is all it takes to get me to the right place.  I also love taking pictures.  Now it’s right on my smartphone!  I can then take than picture and send it to anyone in a matter of seconds!

Today’s digital world isn’t all about texting and Facebook.  Check this out, I am in Graduate school, my classmates are from all across the country… and not one of us has to leave home to get to class.  Thanks several forms of digital technology I can earn my degree in my pajamas (OK, I don’t do that, but lets face it… I could).   Just a few years ago, this was not even possible.  Now most universities have some sort of online learning.  It’s truly incredible!

The Bad:

Now when I say “bad”, I am not blaming the technology.  It’s the people.  My smartphone isn’t making check my email at 3:00 a.m. when I happen to wake up to use the bathroom.  Digital platforms not forcing me to watch and see if anyone likes the picture of my dog on Facebook.  The instantaneous of twitter is not responsible for a knee-jerk reaction to a political post I disagree with.  While all of these are bad, and something we are all guilty of at some point (oh not you?  OK, sorry), we are responsible.

The Bottom Line:

The digital influences in our lives are not going away anytime soon.  My advice… embrace it, allow it to enhance your life.  Just make sure you unplug and enjoy the people and the world right in front of you.

Just for fun:  This is what kids these days call an “old time camera”.   Come on!