Fig & Olive

The computer sat atop a desk, the TV stood in the center of the living room upheld by a TV stand, the phone was hooked up against the wall. Each in its place, never to be moved; available to all, no mobility, no privacy. Each device had its own exclusive use; the phone was for calling, the TV was for watching shows, the computer was a bit more expansive —internet, Microsoft word, solitaire.

Technology was contained. The more space it took up in our homes, the less space it took up in our day-to-day lives. The phone rang but unless you wanted to talk to someone it was easy enough to simply ignore, now the cell phone beeps, and even if we’re not interested in actively engaging we can still read our latest email, text, or dm. The TV and computer remained off unless in use and both were for “public use” and thus not constantly accessible to any individual.

Because technology was contained, stationary, and public we never had to ask many questions about the most appropriate spaces in which to use technology. We only had to ask; Where will it fit? And where will it be most accessible? I think that precisely because those two questions are no longer relevant we should begin the process of thinking about what questions should shape our use of technology. We’ve passively accepted that our technology is portable; we throw it in our bags, stuff it in our pockets, and carry it wherever we go simply because we can… but should we?

Because technology no longer comes with spatial limitations the nature of our questions will be different and perhaps particular for each individual. While technology may no longer take up much physical space it does take up mental space. We have to ask ourselves where technology belongs in our lives. Do we want an ongoing nonstop connection? Do we want technology-free spaces where we can disconnect without the possibility or choice of interruption? Is it possible that there was good in not having constant access —that perhaps we should turn off our phones when not in use like we once did with our TVs?

Technology has steadily crept into every aspect of our lives; stealing our time and disrupting our spaces. The technology of the (near) future wants to swallow us whole, it wishes to become our primary reality. This desire to absorb our reality, and disconnect us from ourselves is frightening in its implications. But fear is pointless, what matters is to make decisions —conscientious decisions, about our relationship with technology, It can’t simply creep in on us if we see it coming from a mile away.    

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Interested in understanding more about technology’s effect on our faith and relationships? Check out my course, Technology and Faith. Course Description: Technology both aids us in our important work and distracts us from it. It connects us to our loved ones far away while keeping us distant from those closest to us. It aids us on our spiritual path and serves as our biggest roadblock. Sign up here.