8.02.2009

Things As They Really Are

Elder Bednar spoke to me today:

"Please be careful of becoming so immersed and engrossed in pixels, texting, ear buds, twittering, online social networking, and potentially addictive uses of media and the Internet that you fail to recognize the importance of your physical body and miss the richness of person-to-person communication."

"Initially the investment of time may seem relatively harmless, rationalized as a few minutes of needed relief from the demands of a hectic daily schedule. But important opportunities are missed for developing and improving interpersonal skills, for laughing and crying together, and for creating a rich and enduring bond of emotional intimacy. We should not squander and damage authentic relationships by obsessing over contrived ones."

So now I'm asking myself, "Does the time I spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict my capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?" I think I'm restricted by the amount of time I text or email rather than speaking to someone by phone or in person. So much is missed when you cant hear a person's tone of voice or read their body language. I'm going to try to take it back a notch in the media/technology department.
Less blog surfing,
less call screening,
more face time.

7 comments:

Emily Ruth said...

Mmmm...I like the way you think. Next time we are in mesa, I want some Brad and Jill face time. Cool?

Mary Postert said...

Hmm, I think I'll try texting less this week and see how it goes..

Jodiane said...

god message. i am on board. thanks jill.

M. G. said...

Funny thing. I am totally techie when it comes to teaching seminary next year. Only way to reach and engage the kids. Comes from Salt Lake. "How to stay connected" I guess it all has its good and bad.

lisa said...

I agree whole- heartedly and think you are wise to decide this.

Lindsay Rector said...

I'm laughing right now because i jut read your text on denying the offer for some real human time! love you, Jilly!!

Summer said...

my favorite thing about this post is how it contradicts the one from a few months ago that made me not want to call you on the phone since you have a 5 minute rule!

I kid...I kid...
yes face time we need some! you're not in tomorrow. what day works next week for a hangout? or tomorrow(Friday) my place during the day?