Just how much damage are we doing to every relationship we have, or might have, because of our use of modern technology (think cell phones)?
Sherry Turkle, author of "Reclaiming Conversation," thinks the damage is extensive and serious. She is a clinical psychologist who has written previously on this matter. One senses this book is written with a greater urgency than her first (that spent time on robotics) because she sees the damage being done increasing at a rapid rate.
Why are we so bonded to our technology machines? The best answer I ever heard was the cell phone/computer is anxiety personified. We think the next call/ message /tweet/ text is the one that will change our lives. We are like the troubled gambler who knows just one more bet will be the one.
Meanwhile, we ignore the relationships directly in front of us that offer true opportunities. Turkle examines the damage done to families who lose chances to development real trust and understandings.
She examines the negative impact on relationships that occur simply by setting that phone on the table while having a conversation.
The most important and sustainable tool of relationships is conversation. When electronic devices overshadow that tool, Turkle takes a look at the results and they are not pretty, but they can be made better.
How much of our attachment to electronic devices is about narcissism and a related lack of confidence in ourselves? How does the attachment add up to ignoring others or disrespecting them at the oddest of times?
Turkle touches these issues and a lot more.
Is our use of these devices creating yet more angst and disrespect of one another on a daily basis where consideration of the impact of such uses lacks manners and consideration of any kind?
This book is food for thought.
"When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen. - Ernest Hemingway
Our Enoch Pratt Free Library recommendation comes from Justin Switzer, teen librarian at the Southeast Anchor Library: "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline.
"I have grown up with video games, and I enjoy them immensely - which is why this book was so appealing to me," he says. "This book has masterfully crafted a world that is your standard dystopian society with strong influences from '80s pop culture and early generation video gaming. It filled my heart with nostalgia over the numerous references to video games I have such fond memories playing, and the storytelling and narrator's voice kept me interested throughout the book. It's a good read in preparation for the library's PrattCon on June 18."
Thanks Justin. Note the PrattCon in June. This is the library's equivalent of ComicCon, filled with comics and video games. Enjoy!
Gary Thorne is the play-by-play voice of the Orioles on MASN, and the 2016 season is his 10th with the club and 31st covering Major League Baseball. His blog will appear regularly throughout the season. The Reisterstown Road Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library will host a "Couponing 101" program for adults and seniors on Saturday, May 14, noon-1 p.m. at 6310 Reisterstown Road.
* Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne. © Copyright 2016 Gary F. Thorne. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Gary F. Thorne and MASNsports.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.