iSocial

Disclaimer: I'm not a technophobe and have been dealing with the digital world since 1966 when I learned how to program on a 32K partition on an IBM.  I am an early adopter and love my toys.

This is the time of year of attended events, including graduations, concerts and recitals.  In recent years there has been an explosion of digital devices used at these events with associated unintentional rude behavior. It is becoming impossible to see some events with people continually holding up their tablets and smart phones, blocking the view of others.  I want to see the participants I know, not a forest of digital displays.  Events should have a predetermined time for taking digital images and sanction digital photo hogs.

This is also an issue at paid events, like concerts, where despite warnings not to use devices, devices are used.  This is straight stealing of intellectual property besides blocking the view of other audience members.  A solution would be for the concert prompter to have ushers confiscate the device and return the device at the end of the concert for a fixed fee to go to charity favored by the artist.

Finally, there is the rise of tablets and smartphones as child care proxies.  We survived and our grown children survived without the instant gratification of a digital display.  Part of being a child is learning to be bored and how to amuse yourself.  Part of being a parent is learning to interact with your child in different environments, including airplanes and restaurants.  

Apple is rumored to come out with an iWatch that will incorporate basic data, including your location.  Given recent concerns about privacy with revelations about Government data collection, I find the appeal of such a device absolutely dumb.  We are being monitored enough by GPS in smartphones.  Why even get the iWatch when you could have a clip the size of rice grain inserted in your arm to identify you and give your location, similar to the chips for pets?

The digital world and related devices make everyday life easier, but it is not 24/7 plugged in everyday life.  Sometimes it is abused, as lengthy photo displays replacing the boring slide shows of the past or inattention when driving.  Perhaps we periodically need to reintroduce a mantra of the 60s drug culture, as the devices are a potential addiction: 'Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out', turn on the device, tune into something, and the drop out of using the device.