I’m hopelessly connected. I’m electronically shackled by smartphones and laptops and portable wifi. If I’m bad my children will be far worse; they don’t know a world without uber-connectivity. As I was walking the beach this weekend I came across this woman who was sitting peacefully enjoying her view of the crashing surf when she suddenly pulled out her phone and changed her focus. It made me wonder how many times I’d done the same thing. Whether it’s a story about my son’s school day, my daughter showing me her incredible cartwheel, or my wife needing to decompress from a stressful day, I’m sure I’ve abandoned them to some pointless alert signifying another entirely unimportant email has hit my inbox.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the digital age and I’m excited about the future. I love that my kids can call me to share an exciting moment at the pinnacle of their joy or that my wife can give me call to say she loves me. These things are very good; I just need to remember it’s no substitute for real people, real family and real interactions. I think I hear my kids waking up and I want my morning hug, my real, physical, sleepy, loving hug.
6 Comments
I am shackled to my smartphone too.. less now. I try and wean if off during the weekends. Computers too
Sometimes we just forget to smell the roses when we get diverted by the mere “ping” 
lovely shot by the way
Gosh it’s so true. It’s like I’m having a seizure when I hear the chime that some new information is present on my phone. It’s a constant battle to wean myself but I must. Thanks Anny! =]
This is why I like photography. And yes, I know that is kind of funny when you think that the camera is technology as well. But while smartphones and the like are distractions from your surroundings, photography helps you to involve yourself with your surroundings. Although, maybe not so much with people (they might beg to differ) if they don’t happen to be the subject of your photography that day.
But photography helps bring out our creative side and potentially gives us a product that can be thought provoking later. That can rarely be said of smartphones, etc.
Hi D.K.–I agree, photography is a wonderful paradox. It relies on technology but also allows me to be more present in the world. I’d like to think that in some ways it makes me a better person…that’s my story at least and I’m sticking with it. =]
Well, I am in the minority here, but this image illustrates all too well how shackled people are to their technical devices. You have a great eye for storytelling through your images Christopher.
Thank you for that Kala! I can’t lie; I’ve been unabashedly selfish in creating a photoblog. I really use it to better understand the world and hopefully, my place in it.