Praying to the Apple/Android gods...

I can't decide if it's more sad or depressing...

We've all seen them...and chances are, you probably know one and/or are related to one.  Heck, you may even be one.

I'm talking about the people who basically live for, even to the point of worshiping, their phones.  Be they iPhone users or Android users, their affliction is the same.  They have to be on their phones basically every waking minute...documenting everything that they do, think, eat, drink, see, etc. either by texting or posting on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, Instagram or any other of the seemingly countless social media outlets.  And it doesn't just have to be phones...I'd be remiss to leave out those of us on tablets, iPads, computers, etc.

Case in point.  I (very) recently took my daughter to a class she has after school.  The trip was approximately 24 minutes long (I say approximate because I was timing using the clock in the car).  Of those 24 minutes, she was actually NOT on her phone for a grand total of 2 minutes.  And of the time she was on her phone (22 minutes for those mathematically challenged), at least half was of her taking, and retaking, and retaking, and retaking, ... (you get the idea) 'selfies' to post on Instagram.

What happened to actually going out, enjoying others' company, and doing things WITHOUT an electronic device stuck in front of your face.  Oh...yeah...that's right...there's not a APP for that.  Instead, with a world of information at their fingertips, these people would rather post/look at pictures, videos, MEMEs, and the like.  The rest of the world isn't just passing us...it's about to lap us.

So, what do you do if you know someone like this?  Well, heaven help the poor sap that is brave (or stupid) enough to confront one of these individuals about their problem.  They tend to get very defensive, and may even 'unfriend' or 'unfollow' the offending party.

My fear is that my the younger generations will eventually lose their ability to communicate and interact socially...face to face...with real people.

I think this video sums it up the best:



How do we reverse this?  I really have no definite answer.  I have been toying with the idea of having phones turned off in the house at night...or turning off our WiFi...or even getting a cell phone blocker (not sure that's legal, though).  Whatever I end up doing, I'm going to have to do in steps...because I'd HATE to see what would happen (especially to me) if my household had give up their life-lines cold turkey.  I don't think it would be a pretty sight.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...so why should it end?

A very good friend of mine said something recently that really stuck with me.  I'm not one to make New Year's Resolutions...but this is a personal goal that I definitely want to strive to achieve...and I apologize in advance, but I know I won't get his words 100% correct...

As the Christmas season passes and we begin a new year, I pray that I can make the focus and reason for the season a reality in each and every day for me, my family, my friends, and everyone I cross paths with.

Dear Lord...I will definitely need Your help...just like always...