Shock Value: Entry 5 "Generation Next; Who is That?"

What has happened to us as a society? Today's generation has more ways to stay connected (i.e. cell phones & the Internet,) than any other generation before them, yet they are the most disconnected.

Most recently, I observed how many friends people bragged about having on sites such as Facebook & My Space or how many people follow them on Twitter. Sadly, these individuals don't know over half of these people they brag about nor will they ever meet them face-to-face. The traditional methods of communication are a thing of the past these days. I saw two students who were sitting write next to each other, text an entire conversation instead of actually speaking. But that is just another example of where we have come to; no one really has a need to have a real conversation, because we have the ability to just send a text, tweet, or post a comment on our favorite site. This may seem convenient, but it is becoming problematic. Our children and generations to come are slowly becoming less involved in the process of actually going out to make REAL friends or going outside PERIOD. As a child, I could remember being told to go outside, and you didn't come back in until those Street Lights came on. One knew not to be late either! Not today. Kids don't play like we use to any more. Why go outside when they have the world at their feet with video games, You Tube, and I-phones?

Don't get me wrong; I love my technology, but I am slowly beginning to understand why the world is heading for a slow demise. No one truly befriends anyone any more. How did we get to the point where we have forgotten how to do the simple things like speak to each other, greet each other, and respect each other. Its okay to embrace technology, enjoy the web, or gain popularity on your favorite site, but please be reminded that their is a real world out there and if you don't prepare your children for it, someone on Myspace, Facebook, Youtube, or TV will be influencing your child. And not necessarily in a positive way.

Next time you have a chance to engage in a real conversation, don't text--Call. Don't tell everyone on Facebook about your fight with your significant other--Talk to them about it. Don't Tweet about your shopping spree--Take your friends with you and let them enjoy the experience. The world is yours and you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it, but at some point we have to disconnect for our distractions and re-connect with reality.

~One Love