The ICE-olation Age...

I have noticed a powerful trend over the past 20 years or so that seems to be slowly destroying the social stability of our nation. And it isn't sexual decadence, political bickering, or global warming. The trend is that of social isolation.

In just the past two generations we have seen the explosion of computer technology and communication devices. Our televisions are more advanced than ever and the wealth of information at our fingertips (or earphones) is unprecedented. We have more access to more "stuff" than ever before in history. Yet, collectively, our lives are less fulfilled than ever.

A recent report in USA Today stated that 25% of Americans say they do not have any one person in whom they can confide. This figure is up from 10% in the 1980's. This means that in roughly 20 years we have charged forward with remarkable breakthroughs in technology and wealth while millions of Americans drifted away from any one individual in whom they could place their confidence. Am I the only one alarmed at such tragedy?

We are experiencing in our culture today a different form of the Ice Age (this one actually being real!). Not a time when continents are covered with thick layers of ice preventing all life from living upon them. No, this Ice Age is one in which people are drawn to the cold, lifeless forms of iPods, laptops, and HD television sets. These facades of real connection entice people away from authentic relationships. You remember, the old fashioned kind where a person looked another person in the eye and spoke from their mouth. That's right, the human relationship, which presently is losing against its competition - technology.

I am not quick to throw the baby out with the bath water and condemn all advancements in technology. I think it is wonderful the new ways in which we can gather information and share it with ease and convenience (this website being such a means). But we are teetering on the edge of social extinction if we allow it to replace the human, flesh-and-bone, connection that is so vital to deep, intimate relationships. Something is lost when attempting to develop such intimacy using a telephone or chat room.

Technology often allows us to mask our true selves. We hide the real us behind a phone line or computer screen. We watch countless depictions of phoniness through television and incorrectly interpret it as the means to connection in our own friendships. We begin to "play a role" rather than examine ourselves and dive into friendships "as is." As we build the facade we drift farther and farther away from friends, family, and community. And the longer we drift the colder, and lonelier, our lives become. We are added to the growing number of those with no one to turn to.

So, let's break through the ice today! Put down the iPod. Log off the computer. Turn off the TV. Spend some time finding out what color eyes your kids have (could you tell me without looking?). Knock on a neighbor's door and invite them over for coffee and conversation. Do things that "warm up" the cold, ICE-olated life you have been living.

Declare winter over and leave a legacy of warmth for your children...

Enjoying warm friends,

jonathan