Many of us are becoming increasingly crippled by Cyber Insanity Syndrome (CIS) - the persistent pursuit of meaningful, enduring, fulfillment and connection through electronic media (cell phones, computer, television, video games, etc.)... apart from authentic, full human connection. It's a question of wiring, of unfulfilled expectations.
No longer is it the case that humans are programming the cyber world; the cyber world is programming us. In form the cyber world is seductive, appealing to small aspects of a human person that threaten to dominate the totality of the human person. We are raising a generation that is being deprived of the vision, expectation and experience of a full, inter-human connection.There are notable implications for our families, businesses, schools and communities.
When I say "Cyber" or "Cyberspace" I am referring to all electronic interaction, including the internet, cell phones, electronic devices, etc. I take a realistic view. Cyberspace is with us, and affords great value. My goal is not to condemn it, but to foster a healthy perspective that will result in keeping the cyber world in its proper place. This blog exists to discuss the proper parameters of the cyber world, an appropriate, human "wiring", such that we do not persist in false expectations for the cyber world to fulfill that which can only be fulfilled by full, human connection.
My purpose in beginning this blog is to open up the conversation, and invite us all to take an honest look in the mirror of our interior-- consider the degree to which we have CIS... and more, to invite us to have the vision, discipline and courage to create a culture where the door to a full, rich humanity can be rediscovered, experienced and celebrated.
As of this writing, I'm not sure how to proceed... but am inviting thoughtful communication on this topic.
Please comment below, and/or send your thoughts and suggestions to the email below my name. Also, please note-- someone has to be the editor. Please don't take offense if I remove comments and such that are off-topic, redundant or not helpful to the vision of this blog. In general, I'm wanting this to be a community experience, and invite mature, thoughtful involvement.
Thank you,
Greg Schlueter
RockIt@RockYourMission.com.
Greg, I think you are certainly on to something here. I know the feeling when I receive an email from someone, or a message on facebook... but what is happening to "human community" How much more meaningful would a phone call or actual visit be.... I see this all the time here at school as well. Roommates texting each other instead of turning away from their video games to actually talk to each other.... We need human community and human connection to help each other through the joys and challenges of human interactions to become who God destined us to be....
ReplyDeleteI was at the park with 4 of my kids the other day and I was looking around at all of the kids playing and having a great time in the park. I was really enjoying watching my children interact and play with eachother as well as with other kids. It was at that moment that I noticed that 9 out of 10 parents present at the park had their Blackberry, IPhone, Android or other electronic handheld in front of their face. Busy they were, interacting through facebook, myspace, twitter, email, or merely texting away. What has happenned to us that we have to be so connected to the rest of the world that we can't even hang out and watch our kids play. I always value this time at the park as a bit of respite as well. I can pray my rosary or simply reflect and pray. So many missed opportunities here.
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