So I remember this one day sitting outside enjoying some lunch, when for some reason I turn my head and in the corner of my eye I see a guy that I know. All of a sudden I felt really self conscious and shy, I whipped out my phone and ear piece, put my sunglasses on…he goes out of his way to use the trash can next to me to say hi and I stupidly pretended not to see him.

Why, you ask did I do such a silly, silly thing, I don’t know…I can be a really shy person at times, but that’s not the point, the point is that I stupidly thought that I could hide behind my technology. What?? I know, like a phone has the ability to make me invisible, ha, but why is it that we, our society, use are tech toys as security blankets? Why do we have to have it and what is the affect on our communication skills and relationships with the people around us?

Technology is part of people’s everyday life; we have it at home, at work even part of our transportation time. Technology has become an important and beneficial aspect of our lives. Instead of “book smart”, society has become “tech smart,” and lack in the common sense or “street smart” area of our lives has become an even bigger issue.

Everyone is “plugged in and tuned out,” from the world in which we live in. Communication is done either via computer or phone and the little close-knit, family friendly communities are lost. Faces are not seen and names are forgotten.

I believe in balance, and balance with the use of technology is a must if we a society, want to reach that point of open and accepting communication.

If I have learned anything with the use of my tech toys, it is that technology can not make me invisible even if I really want it to… but to the guy that I was so incredible rude to, I’m sorry, so very, very sorry!