I read this article by Sherry Turkle on the New York Times website and it made me feel really sad.
In it, Sherry discusses how we’ve sacrificed having a real conversation for simply connecting with people, and cites families sitting together but engrossed with texting or reading emails rather than talking.
I do understand how brilliant technology and social media is for keeping in touch, letting friends and family meet new additions to your family even if they can’t be there in person, etc, and I know how great it can be from a business perspective (if done well!) enabling you to make a connection with your customers and bring your brand to life.
However, I find it amazing that people will now sit in a business meeting with their phone on the table in front of them. And don’t get me started on people who go out for dinner and put their smartphone on the corner of the table so they can keep an eye on it. I also don’t understand why people check in on Facebook, ‘so and so was at this restaurant with so and so’. Stop telling your social network about it and start giving your full attention to the person/people you are with.
I went out last weekend and forgot to take my phone with me, and you know what? The world didn’t end.
In fact, it felt quite liberating.
If I’ve got my phone on me, I’m constantly taking it out of my pocket and checking I haven’t had any new emails or messages. It was lovely to just walk along enjoying the scenery and people watching, and I’m going to try to make a habit of leaving my phone at home.
Perhaps we should all give it a go.
Last week Nikon launched the all new and super easy to use, 
