Social media websites can be addictive. We can become addicted to checking in and posting on these sites incessantly. We could be showing off our wealth by posting pictures of big ticket items that we purchased or when we are going to expensive places, winning a contest, etc. Sometimes we yearn for a pat on our backs by telling people how we have overcome life's obstacles. We all crave recognition and validation. I must confess that I used to do all of the above from time to time. Because I live by myself and have nobody to talk to on a daily basis, social media become places where I could share my joys and sorrows.
I wonder if family members are still talking to each other in this internet age. Mothers resort to texting or messaging their kids to come out of their rooms to have dinner. Then the dinner is eaten quietly with very little conversation. Even restaurants are quieter than before because people are constantly checking their cell phones for texts and messages. Earbuds are closer to our heart than family and friends.
When I was young, shopping in a regional mall was a favourite pastime. Going to a cinema to see a movie was a real treat. Eating out was only reserved for special occasions. Now you can carry out all these activities at home without uttering a single word. Online shopping or browsing can be done anytime of the day and anywhere you might be. Netflix is synonymous with watching television or movies. You could have gourmet meals delivered to your door.
Many years ago penmanship was a skill taught in grade schools. Today I seldom see any hand-written letters or assignments. At times when I pick up a pen now, I don't seem to be able to write as fluidly as before the computers age. My spelling skills have deteriorated to a great extent also. I am afraid that one day I wake up and will not remember how to speak. To combat that, I have the radio on all day long and verbalize my thoughts frequently. Whenever I am outside, I seize every opportunity to speak, even to strangers. My reasoning is that "if you don't use it, you will lose it."
How do you envision a world without verbal communication? Would emojis replace facial expressions? 😀😁😂😃😄😅Would we still need to connect socially?
I wonder if family members are still talking to each other in this internet age. Mothers resort to texting or messaging their kids to come out of their rooms to have dinner. Then the dinner is eaten quietly with very little conversation. Even restaurants are quieter than before because people are constantly checking their cell phones for texts and messages. Earbuds are closer to our heart than family and friends.
When I was young, shopping in a regional mall was a favourite pastime. Going to a cinema to see a movie was a real treat. Eating out was only reserved for special occasions. Now you can carry out all these activities at home without uttering a single word. Online shopping or browsing can be done anytime of the day and anywhere you might be. Netflix is synonymous with watching television or movies. You could have gourmet meals delivered to your door.
Many years ago penmanship was a skill taught in grade schools. Today I seldom see any hand-written letters or assignments. At times when I pick up a pen now, I don't seem to be able to write as fluidly as before the computers age. My spelling skills have deteriorated to a great extent also. I am afraid that one day I wake up and will not remember how to speak. To combat that, I have the radio on all day long and verbalize my thoughts frequently. Whenever I am outside, I seize every opportunity to speak, even to strangers. My reasoning is that "if you don't use it, you will lose it."
How do you envision a world without verbal communication? Would emojis replace facial expressions? 😀😁😂😃😄😅Would we still need to connect socially?
