The Digital Addiction
 
 
Phillip Hong
December 11, 2009
 
It was the first time the snow came down this year, and I was hanging out with my close friend Leanne. The following phrase was often said throughout that day:
 
"Pardon? What did you say?"
 
Of course, she really didn't understand the importance of that day since we were in Mississauga, which was simply my second hometown since I grew up in Peel Region, and it had been about six years since we had last been there. There was a distraction of a different kind as she was drawn to her rubber protected BlackBerry at least five times an hour.
 
For your information, that was the result of an accurate count.
 
Oh, yes. That little device of hers could be used to surf the web, check her e-mail, keep in touch with others. It was a splendid innovation in technology, but there is a huge problem associated with this cellular fodder.
 
It seems that these days, Leanne would be more interested in finding out who "poked" her on a social networking website, than actually pay attention to any of my old childhood memories that lurk in that city.
 
Oh, no. She can multitask. Especially when just about every other person in her life is pining for her attention, but I am not a person to dwell with such misfortune. It's a factor in life these days, isn't it?
 
In this advanced world, I feel like an old curmudgeon, but I highly doubt that it is my fault that I am not stuck on my cell phone all the time. In fact, I remember a time when all we could do with these handheld monsters was to call someone else. I believe that this invention has ruined human contact as we know it.
 
A male friend of mine, a former provincial New Democratic Party candidate and current resident of Calgary, Alberta, disagrees with me. He says that this behaviour, of paying attention to one's technology all the time, is more of a rude gesture rather than anything else. Blame the person, not the evolution of communication.
 
Before I turn this into a completely stuffy essay, I should suggest that you take a look at whoever is around you, and give them a hearty hello.
 
What is more exciting than instant communication with a BlackBerry? Even Leanne knows that some of this artificial contact could actually be a little cold.
 
Nothing could express or depict one's feelings, she once said, with gadgets like these. Is there any way to differentiate between being serious and sarcastic? What about that unique smug, or laugh, or even a chuckle of those people you know so fondly of?
 
Human contact is important, at least to me, and it is always a pleasure for me to drag my dear old female friend down Hurontario Street (formerly Highway 10), even if she doesn't remember. Don't forget to press "send".
 
Phillip Hong, a resident within suburban Toronto, is a constant tourist. Check out the interesting experiences of his journeys on The Travelling Briefcase.
   
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