Hyper-engagement

We have access to so much information.  Our phone is basically a portal into time and space.  It can provide us tons of information, connection with others, games, entertainment of all sorts, shopping, the entire library of congress is practically available through our phone.  

What does this do to our attention.  I personally used to use a kindle to read from.  I found that I am more engaged when reading on my phone.  Why?  Because I am attached to my phone.  I have a phone addiction.  I have a technology addiction.  I have an information/engagement addiction.  What is worse is that my hyper-engagement with the phone is actually leading to a disengagement with the REAL reality, God's reality.

The sun is setting, it is a beautiful night, but I am not noticing this beauty.  

​I want to take a minute to talk about the dark side of how this technology is pulling us away from the world of the spirit, the world of God.  I will start with a discussion of beauty.  

Aesthetics used to be a form of engagement.  They were important in our daily life.  We are not moving towards utilitarianism.  Look at how McDonalds used to be inviting and playful, and now it is simply about efficiency.  Why is this important?  Because people are not looking around them.  They are engrossed in the virtual reality.  By keeping the surrounding ugly and uninteresting, people, especially children, have no reason to leave their virtual world.

​This world is becoming increasingly ugly and scary.  In my neighborhood there is open air drug use, urban decay with houses falling apart, and evidence of suffering.  Children do not know what to make of this world.  The games and entertainment on their digital devices keep them distracted from the world.  What is even more dangerous still is that the devices themselves are perpetuating a vision of a violent world.  I used to wonder why so many video games are violent.  Isn't it possible to make games that promote positive values and experiences?  Why are so many movies about serial killers?  Isn't it possible to make movies about heros and saints?  Sure it is, but there is an agenda, a dark agenda, and it is being fulfilled before our very eyes.

God is good.  God is beautiful.  His creations should be celebrated.  

Make a decision to take a technology free day.  Turn off your phones and spend time together in spaces of beauty.  Turn your engagement back to the world.