Overreliance on Technology

I recently had some issues with my internet service where it was practically unusable for nearly a week.  I called my internet provider they explained that for two months there have been issues and now it's gotten worse.  There was a small conversation on why they were taking their sweet time and all that jazz, where I rightfully got 50% discount for a certain amount of time.

Without a proper internet, I then got a taste of just how much I rely on it.  I always listen to podcasts or youtube videos while painting, and I was painting my latest speed painting at the time as well as writing.  In regards to music, I listen to grooveshark and in this computer I barely have any actual music downloaded.  So the choice was to either to paint in silence or listen to the same 10 songs over and over again.  Not being able to look for any images as references hurt a bit, as I had to make due in some occasions by finding them while I was at work.   Why not use your cellphone for data you ask?  Well because I only have 300MB of data per month.  I pay 40$/month which is perfect for peasants like me that use WIFI at home and at work while not having much money to afford a better deal. 



For me, it is a bit terrifying how over-reliant I am on technology.  I think as a society especially in North America, we all rely on it.  Husband and wife being in the same room and looking at iPads, cellphones and computer instead of talking more to one another, kids looking down at their cellphones texting instead of actually speaking to the friends they have next to one another.  We can't even go a bit away without looking at our phone even when we're driving, which has become such an incredible health issue in North America.  Louis CK goes over this subject in a manner that's much better articulated than what I'm doing on the youtube video above.

Technology & Humanity

I work with computers every day.  I have a PC at work, an iMac at home, and a macbook that I use both at work and home.  When I go home, I use my computer to either paint digitally so I can further improve my skills, or work on personal projects that may or may not change my career in a big way in the future.  Still failing on that latter point mind you, but the point remains that I use computers quite a bit.

I realize people use their tablets, computers and especially cellphones everywhere they go.  It seems the technological items that can bring us together take us further apart.  I go to lunch with some of my co-workers and at times they're all looking down at their cellphones.  It's probably because of how bored they are talking with me, but that's besides the point. 

I just mentioned that I use computers exessively, but I try to minimize it when I can.  I never buy ebooks, I prefer looking away from a computer if I am reading a book.  I use my cellphone sparingly though I imagine I am an exception in North America in this regard.  This video greatly illustrates how important technology is and some negative effects it has on society.  I was in 5 different countries in Europe over a month ago and noone used cellphones like people in Canada and America do.

Also stop taking pictures of your food everyday and posting it online.  No one gives a shit. :)