Generation Why?

I’ve heard bizarre stories (borderline unbelievable tales) passed down from our wise elders to mature adults and delivered via text message to my generation – Generation Y.

Y = Why?   Why are we losing touch with each other despite the increased Tweets, Facebook applications, text messages, and gchat natter?

The crazy tales from my predecessors leave me feeling a bit hollow.  Friends really used to call each other on the phone?  Dinner didn’t involve a parking garage full of cell phones stacked on the table?  Really?

I am guilty of and grateful for the increased communication via today’s technology.  On a normal day, I’m a big fan of all the tools listed above, hence, I’m utilizing a terrific platform for dialogue through WordPress.  I digg (I use it too) all of it.  I’ve even been addicted at times.  I use it, and I abuse it just like any average Tweeter.

But here and there I find myself wanting more.  I catch my friends more stimulated on their iphone than by the conversation taking place right there – right there with their own friends.  It’s offensive.  But beyond that it makes me worried.

I don’t believe the answer is to ignore all technology and live in a van down by the river.  Although, I am quite confident that living in the wilderness would be a fulfilling lifestyle, and I’m not opposed.  For the average person, today, let’s be real.  We have oodles of amazing knowledge thrown at us from every angle all the time – there must be a way to find some balance.  I’m sure the harmony varies from person to person, but I find it sickening to think that people are more interested in their hand-held devices than their own surroundings.  Recently on a date, I received an eye-opening compliment.

Every woman loves flattery – especially on a first date.  I was complimented in an odd form.  A few hours into my date, the gentleman told me that he felt like he shouldn’t take out his iphone while with me because I never pulled out my cell phone – not even once!  I feel like this should be obvious.  When on a date, you should give the person across from you your full attention (and this really doesn’t just go for dates).   Your cell phone should only come out if it’s an emergency.  The whole concept seemed like common sense to me.

This form of etiquette should be obvious.  But with all the technology in front of us, we’re all playing with our toys in the gray zone.  The etiquette involved seems to no longer be black and white.

It’s a discussion that will continue to flourish as we all figure out where technology fits into our lives and how we can get the most out of it without it sucking even more out of us.

Maybe we start small.  Be present.  Enjoy the people in your life and don’t waste their time by your mental-absence.  Be honest with yourself.  Most of those emails you are checking are not emergency, and they can wait until your dinner is over.  Put the Blackberry down and take the control of your life back in your own hands.

I’m making baby-steps as well.  I officially logged out of gchat for the first time in many months.  It’s embarrassing that this is a step forward.  I don’t plan on signing back on.  Friends can call, and I just added hours back into my week – a few more hours to write or create perhaps.

Are you doing anything to make a change?

Umbrella Etiquette: The Tilt

It’s raining.  An aggressive pedestrian approaches you head-on.  Her/his height is within two inches of your own.  A collision is inevitable.

Tilt.  30 Degrees.  No more, No less.  If the dance motion is reciprocated on both ends, beauty will follow.  It’s magic in umbrellic form.

If it isn’t reciprocated, you still may avoid danger. And you may also feel like an idiot.

Tilt is the word.

Spread it to friends and foes.

What are your rules of Umbrella Etiquette?