First day of class

Yesterday was my first day of class and we watched a Ted Talk.  What stood out to me was when the lady talked about an older lady who was finding comfort in talking to a penguin I think, about her grief of losing a family member.  It was a bit disturbing to see how people feeling alone and wanting to connect to something that’s not living.  I agreed with the woman that this could be detrimental to a person and could also see how it could affect a society.  I imagined people not really wanting to connect with others because its difficult and turning to machine or just having relationships with others only through the net.  In thinking about this I thought how it would make our world more selfish. Selfish because they are willing to give their feedback not matter how ugly it could get and have no repercussion from their outlet.  I think this is could be detrimental to families because when you have to connect or interact with your family it isn’t ok to act how you want, and a persona who is used to letting things out to a machine would be used to acting however they want.  I think that could and would get ugly for those who turn to machines for their connections. 

In class I also was startled at how much I do the same things she was talking about, like whenever there is a minute I’m on my phone or even at times being on the phone or on the computer more than I should when our son is at home.  It’s eye opening and is grateful to be made more aware of it.  I like the challenge she gave to be alone and to connect to others more.  Yesterday I tried to be alone while waiting for my sister at a restaurant instead of checking my Facebook while waiting.

It was also startling to see in myself that I do try to avoid having conversations with people.  I do feel like it’s harder to socialize since I’ve been married, and am glad to be more aware of it.