Is WIFI/wireless a good thing or not? I have thinking about this question this weekend a lot. I think that it is nice, but it is also a huge distraction! For instance, when there are people over and everyone is on their computer or smart phone or some other device, there is no conversation, just silent social isolation. It takes away from family time, from study time, from doing a number of other wholesome physical (rather than electronic) activities.
This weekend my husband and I were in Idaho with a bunch of his extended family and there were several times that I noticed a few people would just be on their electronic devices and not communicate or interact with the rest of the group and for me, I love family time. I loove playing tangible games, talking, and having fun together. This weekend, I did not use my computer once. I did not check my email, I hardly texted or called anyone and I had a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend. On the other hand, in the past, I have been known to spend gobs of time sucked into electronics and it makes me feel icky and lonely. I personally feel that when there are better things to do (like spend time with family), electronics are not necessary and in fact they hinder family time.
I agree that it can suck away time from true interactions with people. There are many times I've wanted to call over to those people who have secluded themselves by using their electronic devices and invite them to join the rest of the group--but yet, I find that I do it every once in a while myself. It's definitely something to be aware of and watch out for.
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