Technology Overload?

I had the very rare opportunity to go to Disneyland this weekend with my family as a way to celebrate Steve's 42nd birthday. We weren't able to do too much since he is on call during the work week so it's hard to really plan anything on his actual birthday cause we never know if he'll be called into work or not. So we planned a weekend celebration since we haven't been in about 4 years.

Steve is truly worth it since we honestly needed a break from the stresses of everyday life that can really overwhelm you at times. This was a nice change of pace.

The one thing that I kept seeing over and over while we were there while people are standing in line is that rather than talk to the people they came with, they were busy with their blackberries, Iphones or Ipods to really be with people.

People were busy responding to emails, sending text messages or just playing games on their devices while we were waiting in line. Waiting in line for rides, food or just meandering around the park.

It really upset be because it seemed like while people were physically present they were not really there at all. They were wishing to be someplace else with some one else. Why can't these people take a break from technology when it comes to spending time with people any longer?

Have we really moved away from relationships in return for a virtual one?

If I had to base that on what I saw on Saturday, that would be a resounding yes! And yet people wonder why they are so stressed out, taking prescription pills more than every before, and can't sleep at night. They can't turn themselves off. What is it that is worth missing just being with someone anymore? Would these people be any more likely to put their devices away if they were with the ones they were emailing, texting and calling?

I wondered why most of them were really there??? To appease the kids that they simply don't have time for anymore out of guilt? Do you honestly think your child isn't aware of your lack of attention for them at that moment?

We take our phones into the park for emergencies only. We take no calls, send any emails or text messages while we are there. We've been lucky enough to actually need to use a phone when someone has fallen ill or had a serious accident before.

Even our oldest daughter spent the entire day, well at least 80% of it, texting her friends. When we asked why, she told us, "Well I'm just telling them what I am riding, how long the wait is, and what's going on?"

Can this not wait??? How often can we all be at one place just to be with one another to share the day of being a family? Like I said, it's been 4 years since we did this last? Steve worked 95% of the time for the last two years and with people being sick and in the hospital, this was a rare moment.

It saddens me to see people forfeiting personal communication whether it be face to face or even over the phone anymore. With text messaging and emails, its not necessary any longer to stay in touch. Where does that leave us any longer when it comes to making relationships work??

Here's hoping for a solar flare to wipe technology out for a few hours or perhaps a couple of days to remind people just how dependent we have become on instant satisfaction and the things we are sacrificing in lieu of real physical relationships any longer.

I for one, am taking our kids phones away the next time we plan on spending time together as a family! That text, email or phone call can wait. People need to know that they are important, more important than we let them know anymore!