When I was a child I was always equipped, in the sense that if I went anywhere I had back-pack (usually power puff girls) filled with things to keep me occupied. Too many times lately I am seeing kids crying out for attention or in utter frustration as they are bored and why wouldn't they be, they have nothing to keep them entertained. Usually after a fair few minutes of crying and screaming the child is tossed an i-phone to appease them. This outcome lasts for a few minutes before the consenting adult NEEDS the phone back becuase they may be missing some anti-social-social media interaction. Now am not saying this is anyone's fault, it's just the way we are all becoming programmed, an over realiance on technology that festers laziness.
I pity kids growing up in the future and pine for some of the old school things, although there is no question that technology has made life easier I do wonder are there any educational benefits to playing with phones? Activity books take focus and tend to include some problem solving, books have pictures and teach reading and smart phones let you deform a picture of yourself.
So I find myself asking where is Wally? The answer, he is sitting on his i-phone ignoring the world around him and pretending to live a life dominated by check-ins and status updates.
I do have a cataclysmic, dystopian fear than one day everyone will be permanently to some form of technology and actual, real interaction will be dead. Massive, paraniod fears aside there is something tragic about the lack of children playing with traditional forms of entertainment. Perhaps I am just getting old or I am finding it difficult to understand this new type of society. I am pretty hypocritical, right now for example my other windows consist of facebook, topshop and instagram how concieted I hear you cry. But yes I am guilty of indulging in some solo, cyber, ignorance but I also refuse the kindle as I love holding an actual book, whenever it's sunny I have to be outside and unless completely bed bound I require lots of fresh air.
Furthermore, what may have once been a stereotyoe associated with southerners has certainly spread up the map as everyone is afraid of striking up a conversation unless the ultimate goal is to 'get lucky'. If an incident occurs which makes conversation easier than striking a match some people look on at you horrifed for making an attempt at interaction, then go back to thier phones. Sigh
Well I for one will not become a 20th century, tecnological drone, So I say we bring back dot-to-dots, slinkys and dinosaur activity books oh and of course crayola.
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