In the 1960’s there was an ad campaign for Tareyton cigarettes that said, “I’d rather fight, than switch!” Texting may not be as toxic as smoking, but it can indeed be hazardous to our lives, and our relationships. And while our electronic devices can help us to feel connected with others, it seems that we don’t ever disconnect. I believe our devices are dividing us:

• I recently observed a couple sitting in a restaurant. They didn’t say a word to each other or even make eye contact for at least ten minutes. Instead they sat; eyes down, index fingers up, swiping their smart phones. Not so smart. Phones. Next time you’re out, notice how many people are engaging with and embracing an electronic device instead of the person they’re with.

• A friend of mine recently called his niece to wish her a happy birthday, and she texted him back to say thank you instead of returning his phone call. The growth of our interpersonal skills is being stunted.
• A friend once texted me to say she was unable to help me with something. I texted back saying, “Never mind, it’s ok.” She flew off the handle thinking I was upset at her and the misunderstanding caused a huge and unnecessary argument.
• There is now a dating app where you can just swipe, text, and meet. This new slam, bam, thank you ma’am dating process accelerates you right to the meet and greet; eliminating if you so desire, talking to the person first. Courting. Is there an app for that?
• I recently witnessed a man face down in his cell phone with his back to his young children as they were climbing onto the ledge of a balcony. Was the immediacy of his response more important than the safety of his children?
• Schools are actually canceling dances. The principal of a High School in New York told TODAY Moms that kids no longer need school activities to keep them connected because of texting, FaceTime, Snapchat, etc.
• The other day I watched a group of young people hanging out together and all of them were looking at their phones instead of interacting with each other.
• Phone calls are becoming an endangered species. While it’s great to be able to hear from 100 friends wishing you happy birthday via technology, I miss hearing the voices of the 20 people who used to pick up the phone to call me.
• Being the man/woman behind the screen creates a sense of security and power to say things we wouldn’t say on the phone or in person. Most often, this won’t end well. It usually doesn’t begin too well either.
• And lastly, do I need to go into the risks of driving while typing or reading a text?! Or even walking! According to an Ohio State University study, the number of pedestrian ER visits doubled between 2004 and 2010, and at that rate could possibly double again between 2010 and 2015.

Warning: Frequent texting or other Internet related communications may be hazardous to the health of all that is sacred: 

A discussion of any importance should never take place over the Internet. Never! It’s too easy to misunderstand or to be hurtful. It’s also an easier way of dealing with difficult situations. Been there, done that, won’t ever do it again.

Stephen Stills wrote: Love the one you’re with! It’s just plain rude not to give your attention to the people you are with. You can wait to talk with those in cyberspace when you are done playing with your fellow earthlings.

Don’t text or read a text while driving or walking! Nuff said.

If you have any thoughts on this, please comment below!