Lost in a low-tech lifestyle – but loving it
I am low tech.
I do not own a flat-screen TV. In fact, my television set is boxy and has about a 16-inch screen at best.
I have no cable TV, so I am immediately zapped out of the conversation with any friends and family members within 20 years of my age who love discussing The Real Housewives of Wherever, Project Runway, Big Love, and the like.
I also do not have TV screens in my car on the back of my headrest for my kids' enjoyment.
I am not on Facebook.
I am on LinkedIn, but just barely.
I just learned to text message, and am not good at it because I haven't managed yet the lingo. I can't get beyond "LOL" and "BTW." My friends complain I am wordy and use too to many punctuation marks. And I automatically (and obviously, unnecessarily) sign off with "Love, Ceci" after each message.
But here I am, assigned to write a blog and desperately trying to come up with a topic for your reading enjoyment, wondering what to say, when it just dawned on me: My low-tech lifestyle.
It's a struggle for me, my stance against certain technological advancements. I have a friend who constantly reminds me of my "lost-ness" in today's society.
But when I am feeling like a low-tech loon, I quickly pep-talk myself out of it.
With the exception of a cell phone, which has become a necessity in today's world, I am living proof that you can exist, succeed and - behold - find happiness sans gadgets.
If you don't believe me, take a test this summer. Give yourself a time frame in which you will attempt to turn off the TV for many hours at a time, make phone calls to actually speak out loud with your voice to people instead of zap them with three-word texts, and look out the window when you drive - and make your passengers do the same - without watching a TV or listening to the latest hits downloaded onto your iPod.
You might just get lost, too.
Played commented:
you are so cool. Even the Post think it. And I know you. I mean, you are cool, I wasn't sainyg that you weren't cool. I was just sainyg that now mainstream media realizes it. OK, I'll go now.
keb commented:
I'm in total agreement. I gave away my cell phone.
The very concept that I must be in contact with anyone & everyone all day long is repugnant. So is the idea that every impulsive thought needs to be shared - a la texting or tweeting...
Information sharing is great, but at this point in time, I find the total absorption in technology to be extremely off putting. People prefer their hand held devices to conversing with the people they are with; be they friends, strangers, or sales clerks.
Like all new ideas or fads, this will pass, but I do anticipate that the a number of changes that are revolutionary now have and will continue to alter our worlds.
East Coast commented:
I am starting to question if 'Social Media’ is keeping us more connected with random individuals and resulting in us being less connected with the people in our lives who mean the most....
TINA commented:
Ceci,
This is a great article. I always thought that kids didn't need the tv in the cars. But I must tell you, i really enjoy my cable tv and in a high definition tv it brings my favorite shows to life. The first time I was wowed was during the 2004 Summer Olympics. Those scenes of Greece on the HDTV took me on a mini trip to the Mediterranean.
Richard Cary commented:
The fact that your picture is on my computer screen tells me you are not low tech. There are many people in the USA that do not own a TV. I use an old 18 inch computer for my TV.
James Mammarella commented:
How did I guess that Ms. Flori would have a "Tarzan" ringtone!?
LOL
Just curious, Ms. Corral - what is your take on wrinkle-free textiles? Too modern, actually ancient technology, or just right?
EOM
Valentina Isabella commented:
This just means that you're getting old.... One day I'll brag about being left behind the technological times, too.
Cal A. Maury commented:
Sometimes we need to be disconnected and enjoy the great outdoors. Good point!
Diana Flori commented:
I still haven't learned to text and i haven't been able to take my Tarzan yell ringtone from my phone because...alas... i have to read the manual. I am looking forward to being completely lost this summer.
