Press the 'Ctrl' Key on Technology

A machine in Switzerland that can replicate the Big Bang has started spinning. Talk-radio hosts take calls about how, in less than 200 years, computers and the internet will have surpassed humans and “have a mind of their own”. It seems technology is taking over.

Maybe it already has. A recent survey amongst teens shows televisions, iPods, screens, and wires are everywhere in their home, school, and social places.

Rest assured, “War of the Worlds” is not inevitable; spaceships will not come down to replace us with PCs and Macs. The Matrix does not exist! While these concepts from the news and films are far-fetched and provide entertainment, let us think about the place technology already has in our lives.

A question: What does the term “technologically devoid” mean to you? Is it a positive thing?

Contrary to popular thought, the Amish don't see anything particularly wrong with technology. They will use it in their barns, but do not let it into their homes. "Technology destroys the kind of family-life God intended us to have naturally."

CONSIDER: Technology changes life's rhythm as we sleep in, stay up late, and allow all sorts of unnatural influences into our homes.

As a result of technology:

• We seldom get 8 hours of good sleep.
• We sometimes expose ourselves and others to values that often shock us.  
• We have new modes of transport and communication that have pushed us further away from each other (we are the most connected generation, but don’t know how to talk to our neighbours) and seduce us into going places we shouldn't or entertaining people and ideas we're better off ignoring.

 Some technology can start out right and end up wrong.

Who’s in control? Is there too much technology in our lives? Should we unplug sometimes? Some examples: Has the phone or a programme interrupted us from living with the people around us? Are our life problems solved in an hour as humorously and efficiently as in primetime? Television can set up an unhealthy and difficult standard we can’t match.

Perhaps you feel a little attacked. Maybe you won’t read this article because it’s not posted online! Let me offer some resolution:

Limit computer or television intake as a family. Lobby for shows and applications to make the cut; analyze your reasons through a Christian worldview, then scrutinize it and talk about what you just saw.

Use call answering as a filter. Some technology is a blessing, especially if it protects us from technology. With call display and voice mail, you choose when you allow disturbance into a life lived with significant others.

Take control!

A balanced use of technology is necessary, so that it serves us and not vice-versa. This is not un-Christian or dishonest, and you can still be culturally cool without all this technology and media influence. Christ always found ways to deal with everything important while minimizing distraction and interruption. We are challenged to do the same.

My advice: Check out your church library.  Borrow a book or movie, something to improve you or your family. Better yet, do something together as a family. Spend some time everyday being “un-plugged”.