What happened to Us??

by Kristina Boltiador
(Michigan)

Normally I try to convey positive, uplifting messages with the hopes that it will make a difference in someone’s life that day. However; today I feel the need to express my growing concern over the effects technology is having on our personal lives, our relationships and our social skills.

Cell Phones
I choose not to own one for many reasons. First off, I don’t trust them and suspect down the road sometime it will be shown they have a negative physical impact on our health.
Second of all- Cell Phones have destroyed common sense and good manners!

I choose to answer my phone at my convenience. I am amazed at how many people think it is perfectly acceptable to continually answer their phone when they are spending time with another person, at church, weddings, funerals, meetings etc. Are they truly unaware of how incredibly rude the distraction is? What happened to putting the phone on “vibrate” if you are expecting an important call?

To those of you whom I have dated- if you wonder why I declined a second date, ask yourself how special you made me feel when our time was constantly interrupted by your cell phone.
If you have set aside special time to spend with someone- be it your child, spouse, grandmother, friend, whomever- that time is precious to them, you show that you care and have respect when you are not distracted by your phone! It is truly insulting to try to carry on a conversation with someone who gets regularly interrupted by their phone. It conveys the message: What you are saying is not important!

In spite of all of the warnings, people still continue to talk on their cell phones while driving. This is FRIGHTENING! I am afraid to drive in the car with you! You put other people and their children at risk! You put yourself at risk! This is a form of insanity! How is this different than driving drunk??

Email
I do not like to receive forwarded emails that contain threats that I am going to burn in hell or suffer eternal bad luck if I don’t forward the email to other people. I actually resent them! I choose to forward email that I think is very, very funny or very, very important. Period. I do not forward threats to anyone! I especially abhor the religious emails that try to make you feel guilty if you don’t pass it on- come on! Who likes to get blackmailed?

I would much rather receive a personal email that you took the time to think about and write especially to me!! In fact, I would like to politely ask you to remove me from your mass mailing list if you really don’t have anything personal to say to me! While I’m at it- If I take the time to write you a personal email, is it too much to ask for a reply?? I am setting healthy boundaries here, not trying to insult anyone!

Facebook
Okay, I get it. This is the new way to socialize and have very brief discussions. I enjoy the pictures and the funny stuff and just keeping in touch with what everyone is doing.
HOWEVER: Facebook should not be a replacement for formal invitations and notification of important events!! Believe it or not, some people do not use Facebook! Some people don’t even have computers! Those people should not be left out when it comes to weddings, funerals, parties etc. Please do not assume that if you posted something on Facebook that is good enough to let everyone know! I have been shocked and surprised many times to find out about illness in my family, important events that have already passed and many things I missed because I didn’t check Facebook. We assume too much!

I’m not sure of the long term effect of these things on our society- I feel like one of those old folks that complain about the “new generation”. The problem is that this social rudeness has infected all generations and is spreading! I know there are not many that will agree with me and that is okay. I don’t like chocolate either lol! I celebrate the differences in people and am glad that we have the freedom to be unique. I just feel it is time for the return of common courtesy and good manners. Remember “thank you“ notes and written “invitations”??

There, I feel a lot better now that I have gotten this off my chest! Next time I will be more positive!