DO WE HAVE A NEW SOCIAL DILEMMA?

DO WE HAVE A NEW SOCIAL DILEMMA?

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not based upon any single individual, family, or group but rather is a generic observation and problem that has recently entered our society, driven by technology. No animals were hurt in the writing of this entry.

Over the past few years, whenever we have had company for dinner or attended a dinner or social event in another home, a new social dilemma has reared its head. For example, we may often be sitting among a group of four or six, having a drink or conversation, when one of the group members reaches for either their cell phone, iPad, or laptop computer. They are either responding to a phone call or text message, a need to Google some pressing topic, or to share a recent photo or video that they have recorded. It is often done with the best of intentions but in the end their decision often spawns  some contagious behaviour. 

If one electronic device suddenly appears on the scene, it is almost automatic for a second and then a third and then a fourth one to magically appear. In a group of four or six, I usually sit back and watch this spreading contagion and try to decide what to do. I can sit quietly and just accept and watch all of the others on their electronic device. Sometimes I become annoyed and consider getting up and casually announcing, “I guess I may as well get my phone or laptop and join the group or maybe go and watch TV,” but I never do . I would not wish to appear rude although the manners I am observing are not particularly acceptable. 

What should we do when we encounter this situation? Should we begin any social event with a “no technology please” announcement? Should we ask the first offending member to put their phone away with the risk of offending them? Should we just ignore the emergence of the technology in a social setting and just accept it as a sign of modern times? Should we just join in with everyone else and play on our toys?

I don’t really have an answer, as sometimes the use of the technology does add information or illustration to the topic at hand. Sharing photos of family that guests have not seen for a long time or holiday pictures can be very entertaining. Perhaps the fundamental issue occurs when more than one of the group have withdrawn from the larger group and two or three different conversations are occurring simultaneously. If you are not included in one of the new emerging groups, you can feel as though you may as well not be there. 

I know that no one who is receiving this blog has ever participated in any of the above situations, so I would love your advice on how to handle it should it ever occur again. And just to safeguard my friendships, I repeat:

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not based upon any single individual, family, or group but rather is a generic observation and problem that has recently entered our society, driven by technology. No animals were hurt in the writing of this entry. Hopefully no feelings were hurt either!