In this digital age in which technology rapidly impacts our lives–for better or worse–it’s important to be conscious of our traditions and our decisions to hold onto them, allow them to evolve, or to let them go and fully embrace change.
I think technology is an accelerator, especially as it relates to the internet: it increases the speed at which change is implemented, and it increases our awareness of how quickly some aspects of our lives are changing.
In certain instances, it may seem to sell us on the idea that change is inevitable and if we don’t change, we’ll be left behind or miss out on the Next Big Thing.
Of course, when it comes to technology, things must change and, so the logic goes, that change will of course be better than the status quo.
Sometimes, I’m not so sure. I’ve lived through reel-to-reel, stereo, quadraphonic, super 8 cameras, Polaroid cameras, vinyl records, 8 track tapes, CB radios, cassettes, Beta, VHS, telephone answering machines, pagers, beepers, mobile phones, Telex machines, fax machines, floppy discs, compact discs, flash drives, and MySpace.
The advertising campaigns, newspaper articles, magazine articles, and television segments associated with these cutting edge innovations invariably promoted the global impact these advances would have on my life.
Yeah, not so much. The internet in general and the digital delivery of content? Yes, absolutely. But I still prefer cash in my pocket to the bank card, and I still prefer to speak with someone, preferably face to face, before doing business with them. (Amazon excluded.) My ‘friends’ are not linked users on Facebook, but people I’ve shared life with for a period of time. Perhaps it’s that way for many of us, but we still need to be vigilante…and proactive.
With all this innovation and change happening–it would seem–all around us, it’s important to remember that not all change is progress. That sometimes a change requires a sacrifice–a loss of one thing to gain another (privacy comes to mind.) And that the clarion call to change something in our lives is often driven by a hidden (or obvious) agenda of the party promoting the change (profit, personal information, or power come to mind.)
Before we change, we need to assess what we will trade or sacrifice in order to implement the change. What will we gain? Is this gain permanent? Is the loss permanent and/or acceptable? Will we eventually lose a tradition if we opt for a change?
Traditions hold societies together and often require interaction with others, even those with whom we may seem to have nothing in common, or even those with whom we strongly disagree on certain issues. The person we sit next to at a sporting event or public performance is usually a stranger. We exchange pleasantries and sometimes engage in conversation to discover common interests. It can be awkward, but it’s a good thing: we can realize the value of society, the reassurance we find in community, the joy of a shared experience.
With family and close friends, traditions are even more important.
So, as the holiday season approaches, make sure you’re participating in more face time than screen time. Plan now. Make an effort. Get dressed. Buy flowers or dessert. Go. Visit. Leave your worries on the doorstep. Leave your phone in the foyer. Politely suggest that the television be turned off during the meal. Ask people who they’re doing. Listen.
And between now and then, make a list of the traditions you want to preserve…or start. And share them with your family. Agree to preserve, to remain, to endure.
It’s a great way to make sure we don’t lose things we value amidst all this change.
- BGT
BGT,
I agree we sometimes need to be somewhat vigilante (over being just vigilant). But, I draw the line at asking people who they’re doing as opposed to what they’re doing at a holiday gathering. I’m crass, but, you know, even I have limits.
Respectfully, your internet friend,
KMC
Kevin,
I disagree. I think Byron’s advice could really liven up some holiday gatherings. Asking people who they’re doing can be a real ice-breaker and really get the conversation rolling. I for one plan to use it this holiday season.
Amy,
I stand corrected, you are absolutely right. Best used at your “Come As Your Favorite Nude Pilgrim” Thanksgiving celebration (hat tip to Hawkeye Pierce).
KMC
Many great points, Byron. It’s about striking the right balance between new and old. As we grow older, we need to lean into technology to be able to engage effectively with the modern world. At the same time, we want to continue to embrace our best traditions such as the art of the handwritten thank you note.
… “Make sure you’re participating in more face time than screen time.“
“Ask people who they’re doing.” I assume Byron meant “Ask people (how) they’re doing”.
In my English ‘doing’ someone could mean two things – financially cheating them, or, sleeping with them. In other words, who are you cheating or who are you sleeping with. In either case, and most especially in the latter, I wouldn’t dream of asking anyone. A third example, from long ago, was an expression my grandparents used when someone, for example a thief caught red-handed and given a thrashing, was given a ‘damn good doing’.
Perhaps as I’ve said it might be a typing error.
Or, I need some cross-pond translation.
Well said. Thank you. We might be at a similar juncture with all of the hoopla around artificial intelligence — both how it will help and/or threaten us — just now. Time will tell I suppose.
Kind Regards,
H-U
Change for the sake of change can be challenging, and I believe managing it requires discipline and thoughtful consideration. For example, I have a tube-based table radio in the den that sounds far better than a phone. My Dutch oven makes much richer stews and soups than the Instant Pots I hear about. There’s something deeply comforting about sitting in an old leather chair with a good book and a hand-sewn quilt from my wife—an experience that feels far more meaningful than lounging in a recliner in front of a flatscreen TV with a gas-log fireplace.
From a societal standpoint, things get even more intriguing. People have become so accustomed to weight gain that they’ve turned to medications to manage it. I remember my grandmother’s simple approach: “You’re gaining weight, stop it.” And it worked remarkably well. I also appreciate the advances in medical care where I can now get treatment for a common ailment within hours rather than waiting several days to see a doctor.
In short, I prefer to ignore change just for the sake of it, curate the changes that genuinely improve my life, and dismiss societal shifts that offer no real value—like pajama pants, ‘body positive’ weight gain, and working from home in a robe all day.
Bob