Does anyone remember things they used to do as kids? Weird question, I know, but bare with me. I remember some things that would seem like nothing to other people but meant a lot to me. For example, does anyone else remember going outside between June and July to catch Lightning Bugs and put them in a jar for a light? What about laying outside on a blanket looking at a cloud filled sky and pointing out to whoever was with you the giraffe in the clouds? What about wading into the local creek to catch crawfish and terrorize the fish? |
Little things like this, that many of us had as children... it connects us in a way that the internet doesn't. When was the last time you could say to someone (and be completely honest!) "Do you remember that ice cream truck that used to drive through the neighborhood when we were kids?" And the person would undoubtedly respond, "Oh yeah! I remember hearing the music, begging my mom for $1.25, and then chasing that truck until he finally stopped!"
The internet with its social media and text messaging... it isn't creating the same kind of memories. Partially because we no longer have to remember things. Oh you can't remember the word for that kitchen drain bowl that you use after you wash fruit or boil noodles? Let's just Google it! Same thing with phone numbers, too. I used to have a LOT of numbers memorized. Now the only ones I know are my own and my mother's.
It's sad really. That we don't just set down our technology and look around. So much is going on around us and we're missing it all.
So for the sake of memory, set down your device after you read this... and just go outside until the streetlights come on!
The internet with its social media and text messaging... it isn't creating the same kind of memories. Partially because we no longer have to remember things. Oh you can't remember the word for that kitchen drain bowl that you use after you wash fruit or boil noodles? Let's just Google it! Same thing with phone numbers, too. I used to have a LOT of numbers memorized. Now the only ones I know are my own and my mother's.
It's sad really. That we don't just set down our technology and look around. So much is going on around us and we're missing it all.
So for the sake of memory, set down your device after you read this... and just go outside until the streetlights come on!