Saturday, July 9, 2011

Are These Trends Good?

Recently, my reading eyes fell on some interesting headlines.  In a century where everyone is speaking of all our wonderful technology, how educated we are, how much we have achieved, these headlines led me to wonder if similar conversations surrounded the builders of the Tower of Babel.


Can any of these trends be stopped or slowed down?  No!!!, I am not asking to return to the days without technology and many of our conveniences. But, like anything, most developments come with a price.


This article brought tears to my eyes.
No Baby Boom (click to read full article) - I will leave this with a small comment, just remember I have six children and dream of a den full of grandchildren. This trend grieves me. Scriptures flood my mind on how this should grieve us all.


Could this headline be responsible for part of the No Baby Boom?
Full article - click Women are the New Men in this economy


I am not saying women cannot work...so don't suggest that. My son also agreed because of the fact his wife has been able to find a job faster than he has.  The stats mentioned in this article are mind-boggling.  Are reverse roles going to be good for our society?  

This headline challenged me

The author challenges our thinking by implying how we gain so much more in our learning when we can't find all the answers.  When all the answers can't be found we allow our imagination to fill in the gaps.  Mysteries like Amelia Earnhardt and the Loch Ness monster come to mind.  We don't need all the answers.  Retrieving information in  seconds through our phone or computers rob us of our imagination and exploration.


The internet is ending our ability to pay attention and think 
critically -  Nicolas Carr

Here is an extensive article by Nicolas Carr on  his research...remember, you will have to pay attention. (click on highlighted)


Deep Distractions
ADD - now I really agree with this article....even my 27-year-old son said the same. Carr suggested that technology is bringing about limited attention spans.  He suggests cutting back on technology and allowing our brains to grow.  His research led him to see where he used to sit and enjoy reading a book. Now he would only stay still for a few minutes before he needed another distraction.

Both articles encouraged me to tame the technology monster in my own house.  I couldn't help but feel that when technology becomes an idol, then we allow true blessings to be taken away as well, like... children, quality time in true conversations and family time?
Are we that much different than those builders of Babel?
Just some mind-musing from Janette's Sage.

 "And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do." (Genesis 11:5-6)
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27 comments:

  1. DebbieJuly 9, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    OK, I haven't yet clicked the articles. I'm trying to limit my computer time for the sake of eyes and family. I have a ton of catching up to do. LOL

    But, I'm going to come back and read.

    I just wanted to address your "Babel" comparison. It's excellent.

    I also think you and I agree about the reverse roles, just based on your brief comment/question.

    I have a lot to say, but I hate to comment without reading. I'll just say that so many of the headlines alone lead me to a conclusion that we are enslaved to a lifestyle in the culture.

    Thanks for the links. I know they will be very eye opening!

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  2. moreofhimJuly 9, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Your post was totally eye-opening and confirmed something that has been pricking the back of my mind for quite a while. It was good to see my concerns in black and white, but totally sad at where our society is going as a whole. Your comparison to Babel was right on the mark. Thanks for sharing this.

    Blessings - Julie

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  3. Marsha YoungJuly 9, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    Janette,
    I had already read two or three of the very articles you point to and I agree that the implications for our society are very concerning.

    We all seem to "talk more" via social media,but we also seem to "say less".

    Good post - Marsha

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  4. http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/July 9, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I can't tell you how many times I've wondered what tomorrow's generation is going to look like. The whole cyber world seems to be changing both social and thinking processes in our kids.

    It is a huge concern. I wonder what Jesus thinks of the whole thing??

    So... what do we DO about it all?? I'm guily too... I love the conveniences and the benefits, but the whole thing does seem to look a lot like 'babel'...

    Good thinking and good food for thought. My 'nod to not too much cyber' has been to stay off of facebook... :)

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  5. TheresaJuly 9, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Oh it is very sad indeed. Children are a blessing. The fruit of the womb is a reward!

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  6. Debbie PetrasJuly 9, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Technology can absolutely get in the way of real relationships. We were having a party at school and the parents were invited. As the little children were enjoying games and crafts, so many of their parents were texting on their phones. I have a picture I took of the gathering and it's amazing how they weren't paying attention to what was going on with their child.

    However, I enjoy technology but in limited amounts. I am able to stay in touch with many of my high school friends (after 40 years), relatives in all parts of the world, and keep up to date on what's happening with my family in Florida. But I still love to see them and interact in person.

    It's sad that people are not choosing to have children. I would have loved to have children but couldn't. However, I see many people with children who have no time for them. That's sad. They are so intent on making money and providing things for their kids, instead of taking the time to have fun with them and teach them.

    Interesting comparison with the tower of Babel.

    Love,
    Debbie

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  7. myletterstoemilyJuly 9, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    you are so wise, my friend. i have hardly spent
    a moment with my computer these past few
    weeks and have thought and pondered anew.

    i'm going to scroll down to see how your move
    went. you must be exhausted.

    love,
    lea

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  8. Cecilia Marie PulliamJuly 9, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    All things must be done with balance. Even good things can become wrong when used to excess. I try to balance my time with technology with meditation, scriptural study and the simple art of reading and conversing, without the aide of technology - book in hand, conversation with partner face to face. Great post, Janette. I too liked the comparison to the Tower of Babel.

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  9. GLENDA CHILDERSJuly 9, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    My husband just e.mailed me an article on the effects of the techno generation. I haven't read it yet. Wondering if it is the same article. I'm off to find out.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  10. MaryannJuly 9, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    I couldn't agree more about technology limiting attention spans. I've seen it in action in my own house. Makes you wonder what things will be like in another 5-10 years.
    The comparison to Babel is right on

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  11. AnonymousJuly 9, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Janette,
    I agree. Technology is such a distraction, leading us to multitask in a way that spreads us too thin.

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  12. Leslie @ Farm Fresh FunJuly 9, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Great post. Now I'm OFF to bed after way too much time ON the internet getting caught up. ;-0 Will go check out your links tomorrow - THANKS!
    xo
    Leslie

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  13. Finding JoyJuly 10, 2011 at 2:32 AM

    Interesting articles, in particular the one about ADD and technology. My son, now 23, suffers from ADD, and always struggled at school with the traditional learning. Give him technology eg computers and he excels. In fact if his classes had more technology I feel he would have done far better. His computer and he are best of friends - he loves doing 3D design and very good at it. He loves being a nerd, proud in fact!!!

    I prefer families to not have children, than to have children and then spend no time with them. We need families to love and devote their time to their children. The cost of raising children is one of the major reasons for not having children. Just too expensive to have multiple children.

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  14. TannaJuly 10, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Very thought provoking, Janette. I'm with Debbie and will have to be back to read the articles since I am trying to limit my time this morning. blessings ~ tanna

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  15. no spring chickenJuly 11, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Oh Janette, these too are things that grieve me. It took me a minute to grasp what the first article was about. Half of our married couples are childless? What kind of propaganda is feeding this country instead of the Word? And of course relating our technological 'building' to the tower of babel was a very interesting way to look at things. If we would compare ourselves to historical scripture more often I think we would find many warnings... I'm going to read the full articles you linked now. Thanks sis.

    Blessings, Debbie

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  16. ShandaJuly 11, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    You are right about finding the balance. After reading your comment on my blog, I came over to read this again. Modern technology has so many good sides to it but it consumes our life and changes our whole society.

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  17. colbymarshallJuly 11, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    I'm visiting from over at Janna's "Something she Wrote"--thought I'd say hi! Love your profile, pic, btw. I'm a huge Lucy fan!

    I am fairly liberal-minded, but recently, I've wondered if half the anxiety I feel nowadays is due to the fact that I'm ALWAYS reachable by phone. I want to de-tech myself sometimes, just to see what it would be like. Then again, it seems hard to think about doing that at the same time.

    Sigh.

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  18. TrishaJuly 11, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    An absolutely wonderful, thoughtful post, my friend!!! I often wonder if this is why it's hard for us to even sit still before the LORD and soak up His word. We're so impatient and so easily distracted.

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  19. Sarah JaneJuly 11, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Amen and Amen and Amen!!! I have been feeling this for a long time and know my generation will pay the cost. I'm reminded of the Casting Crowns song "If We've Ever Needed You." Oh how I'm praying for a transformation in our hearts and a turning back to Him before we end up like Israel in the time of their judges. Lord hear our cry!

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  20. Jessica HeightsJuly 11, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    Wow, I'm off to check some of these out!

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  21. LorieJuly 12, 2011 at 5:33 AM

    Very thought provoking post. The technology thing is something I have been pondering a lot lately. You have given me some confirmation and some excellent food for thought. Thank you.

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  22. UnknownJuly 12, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Hey Janette...Ok I have to say that "womens lib" was satans worse joke played on women to date..
    and he knew it would affect our children , familys and home life. Woman are naturally multi taskers, and we have been tricked to think that we can do it all.but our children who are being raised by strangers in day care, not being taught the value of family,but the value of a dollar..
    sorry but I am old school....God created make to take deminon over the world and the things in it, man was created to do TASK.. woman just as valuable, were created to take care of her man and children, to nurture and support.. and i know it is true what you said about it might be easier for your husbands wife to get a job right now.. i know my husband was out of work for 2 yrs and it was hard..thank God that he provided.
    Praying that your son gets a job soon,and praying for our nation..but I feel that as women we need to start a new tech..and become Gods design once again..hope i didnt step in anyones toes..but I am very passionate about that topic..
    Love ya girl.. great post as ALWAY !!!!!!

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  23. AnonymousJuly 12, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    I haven't had time to actually read all these articles, but the headlines really did make my eyes get as round as saucers.

    It's very frightening, sometimes, to see where our current society is heading. My biggest fear is that one day, our society will be completely run by machines! I hope this never happens, but I feel that, unfortunately, we are on our way. :(

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  24. AnonymousJuly 12, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    Oh . . . and as for the Women being the "new men" article, no comment. Actually, all I can do is shake my head on that one, sigh.

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  25. RebeccaJuly 13, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    I'm impressed, Janette! With all the activities related to the move, you still have time to read & ponder! These are serious subjects - matters for prayer & personal examination.

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  26. Crown of BeautyJuly 13, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    I clicked on the articles you mentioned. The no child policy is indeed becoming a global trend (but definitely not here in our country - overpopulation is one of our problems). Zero population growth will soon bring many nations to the point of no return. Having children ensure a race and culture's sustainability, and besides, raising children is a major character building tool for husbands and wives.

    Without children to help build their characters, childless couples miss out on so much...I can't imagine growing old and having no one left of your family line after you die!

    Your post raised many thought provoking issues. The excessive use of the internet, and just about any information one needs to know is available at the click of a mouse!

    Alarming trends, scary even.

    Thanks for sharing these things on this post.

    And congratulations on your new house. I never doubted that God had the perfect house for you and your family.

    I had a big smile as I read your list of things to thank God for in your new house - the perfect timing, the large rooms, everything was prepared for you by your Father in heaven!

    And 286 boxes! Wow...

    Looking forward to the pictures!

    Love
    Lidj

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  27. Cherie HillJuly 14, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    What a REALLY interesting post sister! You've really got me thinking on these things more than I already was . . . tears must pour out from heaven.
    Blessings!
    Cherie

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