The Cost of Technology...Is the price too high?

Take a look at this couple. Pretty typical, I'd say. I often see people on their phones at restaurants as well as in homes, where families are gathered, supposedly to share their day.

No doubt technology has great things going for it. In fact, it can be used for many good things. But the idea of everyone constantly looking down at their phones while in the presence of real people is a bit sad. Or recording while at a concert so the video can be watched later, rather than watching it live, is somewhat irrational.

When I was growing up, I remember sitting around the dining room table or living room, and talking. Yes, actually looking at each other and engaging in conversation. And while that may still happen sometimes, I often see the constant checking of phones, or iPads. It makes me feel as though what is going on out there in the cyber world, with "friends" on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, is more important than face-to-face interaction.

All people want to be heard, acknowledged, made to feel special and understood. And while most of us have grown accustomed to someone pulling out their phone and checking their feed, to me it never feels quite right. Sometimes it almost feels like being abandoned. And in a sense, I suppose it is.

Call me old fashioned. I'll take it! When I'm eating with someone, I want to talk to that person. I want to hear about their day. I want to discuss interesting things.

I was once at the beach where a mother was on her phone. Her young boy was trying to get her attention. He kept saying, "Mommy, mommy . . . " She did not look up. So focused was she on what she was reading, I don't think she even heard him. It's sad that we pay more attention to our phones than to the person sitting or standing before us.

Next time you're going to pull out your phone while in the presence of loved ones, think twice. Is there someone right there who needs your attention? If so, be attentive. Your phone will always be there, maybe even annually updated. But will they?