24/7 Technology: The Pendulum Keeps Swinging

Back and forth: how do you find balance with technology?

I always tell my technology educational courses, I feel as though technology is represented by a pendulum. Technology trends high one way and then come back full swing the other way. I tend to think of iPads, mobile devices... the "next-best-whatever-technology-is-coming-our-way" trendy technology tools as such.  

If you remember your basic physics you know that when a pendulum swings there are two common types of energy: potential energy and kinetic energy


This is how I see them represented in today's techy times:

Potential Energy: The energy stored as a result of it's position. The higher the "bob" (pendulum ball that swings around) from it's equilibrium position the more energy it has. When Apple gets ready to launch a new product, hello iPhone 6 , it gains momentum as we are all waiting and waiting for it. It gets elevated higher and higher because of all the hype with the launch. 

Then they drop the bob, and there it goes...just another new device with another new charger that we all have to buy. One more new tool or update teachers and parents have to try figure out  over the next six months while students already have mastered it in a day. These shimmery new gadgets have the potential to blind you from what you really need.


Kinetic Energy: The energy in motion. Hands free revolution seems to be gaining some traction. It's in motion and come to think of it, it always has been.  What is "Hands Free Revolution"? It's basically getting back to the basics, where we were before all this technology as far as relationships and valuing physically being with those we are surrounded by.  We know that kinetic motion is dependent upon the square of it's speed. In relation to hands free revolution, the more speed we give it, the more force it will have.

Technology: along for the ride?

Pendulums also represent balance. Back and forth, keeping the equilibrium. So if we view technology as a tool and not a 24/7 addiction. we can keep our balance. Hands free revolution offers that balance.  It's a way we once lived our lives and a way we need to get back to with ourselves, our families. Setting boundaries with our digital devices and which ones we choose to purchase and operate.  We can easily find ways to use our techy tools to help us be more efficient and grow without our stunting our minds and relationships.

Le't set limits, model the behavior we seek to see. I was in a meeting last week with six other people. Two of the committee members were on their phones texting the entire time. Did I say anything. No. Did I ever get out my phone and text? No. Was I tempted to retaliate. Yes. But at the end of it all, I walked away thankful for the other four people who I was able to listen to and enjoy their company. The five of us actually got quite a bit accomplished!

Let go of the constant swinging and enjoy hands free moments!

Letting go of daily distractions and grasping onto what really matters. Get that momentum. Take your time and indulge in precious moments with those you adore. Find ways to detach from your devices. Don't judge those that may not follow along. Every person, each family has their own way of handling how they are going to move forward in this 21 century society. It's important for us to think about it, plan for it and communicate it. In a world where we feel like we need our devices to survive in our professional and personal lives, let's stop for a minute and see which way we are moving.

Sir Isaac Newton once said, "We build too many walls and not enough bridges."

Let's figure out ways to use our keep our digital devices from building walls and focus on building and restoring some bridges.