Who is considered to be part of Generation X? Demographers, historians and commentators use beginning birth dates from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. A careful study of this generation reveals some rather disturbing information. The 1960’s have become synonymous with irresponsible excess and flamboyance. The decade also became known as the “Swinging Sixties” with regard to certain standards of sexuality in society. In a similar way, many governments of the world shifted rapidly to the left side of the aisle and what restraint existed among the peoples of the world seemed to begin a rapid fade.

President John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States and pledged to land a man on the moon. The feat was accomplished in 1969. Conflict in Vietnam began and America found itself in the midst of a war that would extend into the next decade. Feminism took the stage in the early 60’s and by the latter part of the decade the Gay Rights movement had begun. Along came the 1970’s and with it the invention of consumer video games. The first email was sent in 1971. Microwaves and VCR’s were made available to the public. Apple Inc. ushered in the modern personal computing age in June of 1977 with the launch of the first personal computer, the Apple II. In October of the same year, Atari burst on the scene and enjoyed huge success. By 1982, video gaming systems had become an industry and, in 1989, Nintendo took the world by storm. Remember this

It’s plain to see that technology has overtaken our lives. An article in Psychology Today shares some insight on how that technology may be affecting us in a negative way. The question is asked, “Has computer and communication technology allowed us to connect more deeply with life or, as we become more connected with technology, are we becoming more disconnected with life?” We have developed into a society that cannot function if our battery dies. No, not the battery that gives us the physical strength to step next door and share a conversation with our neighbor or take a friend to lunch. No, the battery I’m referring to is the one that gives us the thrill of a chime when plugged into an outlet. Whether it’s a text message, a sports alert, a Facebook post or a Twitter tweet, we are constantly disengaging from people to engage ourselves with accounts run by people…some of which we have never nor will we ever meet. Something is wrong.

Life is not and should not be about connecting electronically at the risk of losing our real-life connections. We have forgotten how to interact with people. There’s no dialog box to automatically begin a conversation and certainly no “X” button to shut it down. We’ve become so technologically connected that we’ve become uncomfortable with making eye contact during a conversation. We no longer care so much about our relationships as our relationship status. We’ve abandoned the principles of our heritage that involve blood, sweat and tears…none of which are offered from a computer, video game or television show. We feel safe when it comes to technology. We choose our own actions with the peace of knowing that anything can be deleted and we comfort ourselves with the assurance of de-friending a “friend” at will. Something is wrong.

Now, before you rush to judgment and conclude that I’m anti-technology, please understand that I am one of the worst tech geeks in the world (hence the blog)! I LOVE technology! I’ve been told by my parents that, as a child, I would rather have had something that lights up, plays music or requires batteries than playing outside or anything that didn’t require some type of power source (I never understood the whole mud pie thing…some kids are just weird). I have thoroughly equipped myself with more than my share of technological gadgets to make my life “easier” and satisfy my craving for electronic interaction. However, thanks to my upbringing, I also understand the importance of sharing an ice cream cone on the beach with my family. I appreciate the opportunity to “go walking”…something that many people can’t seem to understand the point in. I enjoy cutting grass and then sitting on the front porch to enjoy the result of a little hard work.

My generation (Generation X) and all generations after me have no idea what it’s like to live life without some form of technology. It characterizes our entire existence. Our days are filled with internet access, iPhones, iPads, WiFi, playlists, text messages, status updates and tweets. These things, in and of themselves, are not bad until they begin to replace our desire for real interaction and common sense. Some in our society have become enslaved to their technology. You know the one I’m referring to. It’s the woman who refuses to call someone back in five minutes, instead choosing to make the seven people in line behind her wait for her to juggle her cell phone, the three kids screaming at the top of their lungs, and the cashier waiting on her to punch in her debit card pin while she discusses the “outrageous, like totally crazy Facebook status her co-worker just posted”. It’s the employee who refuses to stop texting during an important meeting because they care more about tech connections that respecting the authority of their leadership. Something is wrong.

As believers, we’re called to make a difference in this world. Technology is a huge part of that mission. It’s a great tool. But, like every other tool in the world, it must be used properly and appropriately. We must rededicate ourselves to good, old-fashioned communication. There is nothing that will ever equal the power of a handshake, a pat on the back, or a hug for a hurting friend. Cell phone batteries die daily and must be recharged. I wonder how satisfied we’ll be when we reach the end of our “battery life” on earth and realize that we’re about to stand before the Father and give an account for all the missed opportunities. We must love people. We must reach people. Technology can help with that but we must keep it in proper perspective. So put the phone down and look someone in the eye. Plug into them…it may just be the connection that they’re looking for.