I gotta be honest, I am so sick of all the panic and general hand-wringing about technology and social media - I really am over it.
It's not because I don't understand - I get it. I admit to walking in the living room and seeing everyone of my children staring at a phone and NOT LIKING IT. I have struggled with the appropriate way to enforce "screen boundaries." I have said, "if I see that phone at the table, it's mine," and meant it, buddy.
However, I do not buy into the idea that these little computers we carry in our back pockets are going to be the end of society as we know it. That they are handicapping us and making it impossible for us to truly connect with each other or have meaningful relationships.
Sorry, but I call BS on that.
I call BS on it because I like my phone just as much as the next person - maybe even a little more, if I'm being honest. Yet, strangely, I still manage to have close relationships with my family (yes - even my teenagers, love their phones though they do), and friends. I still care for people deeply and have normal face-to-face conversations. I am still involved in my community and understand the value of volunteerism and giving back. I am not saying I'm perfect, by any means, but I am standing up and saying confidently that my iPhone has not stolen my soul.
And you know what? I see these same things in my kids. They love their phones, sure. But, they also love their friends. They may communicate with flying thumbs and goofy selfies instead of locked in the pantry on a rotary phone, but communicate they do. They have deep and meaningful conversations on social media. They discuss issues, dream about their futures, tackle difficult subjects and encourage one another. I know this because I see it and read it. I know there is plenty my kids don't share with me, but it is not uncommon for one of them to say, "Hey mom, read this text, or what do you think about this thing I read or watch this cool video so and so sent me." Make no mistake, they are tackling life just like we did.
We all need to be aware, we need to be intentional in our relationships, we need to be parents and not allow our kids to be consumed with all things electronic...BUT, we also need to give ourselves a little credit. We can have these devices and still be and raise good, loving and thoughtful humans.
That's how I see it. :)
