More and more people are using the internet to communicate. It makes sense. After all, it’s quick and easy to send someone an email, text or direct message. But I think there’s a growing problem. It’s that people write things that are disrespectful. Why? First, let’s be honest. We humans are deeply flawed. Second, instant … Continue reading Online disrespect and technotrauma
social media
Nomophobia and a technosabbath
According to Psychology Today there’s something called “nomophobia.” It’s “the fear of being without a mobile device, or beyond mobile phone contact.” I read about one study that said more people are even taking their smart phones with them into the shower. Maybe that’s you. Maybe it’s not. Either way, more and more of us are … Continue reading Nomophobia and a technosabbath
Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
More and more of us are spending time on social media. And before you think I’m anti-social media, I’m not. I just think we should be realistic about the role it plays it our lives—both positive and negative. One of the negative things is that it can depress us. I’ve read about a few studies … Continue reading Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
A rest… from screens
Writer Lettie Cowman tells about a traveler who visited Africa and used a group of guides and carriers to carry their supplies as they hiked and explored. On the first day she was impressed because they went a huge distance. But the next day the carriers refused to move. The leader said that on the … Continue reading A rest… from screens
Continuous partial attention
We live in the information age. And there are some positive things about that. But there are some negative things too. Linda Stone, a former senior executive with Apple, coined the phrase “continuous partial attention.” She writes that we’re “much more motivated by not wanting to miss anything… we want to be part of this … Continue reading Continuous partial attention
An avalanche of gadgetry
Sometimes, habits that seem totally unrelated to your “spirituality” are totally spiritual. Let me tell you what I mean. We live in a time of increased gadgetry. You might even say that we live amidst an avalanche of gadgetry. For example, smart phones have become ever-present. And they can do everything except fold the laundry! … Continue reading An avalanche of gadgetry
From Trolls to Glorifiers
Trolls continually post negative comments online. If you want to pump some positivity into the drab that can be the internet, read on.
Trolls
"Trolls" used to refer to burly creatures under bridges. Now it also means an online instigator. Here's how to handle them.
Step out of the traffic
Psalm 46:10 “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God.” (MSG) Today's Thought I just spent a week in Myrtle Beach. It was… Awesome! Every time I go on vacation I learn something new. For example, last week I learned that... Cheap socks are never worth it The … Continue reading Step out of the traffic
Is there an “except-when-online” clause?
Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 (NIV) Today's Thought We live in the information age. Facebook has 700,000,000 users. In case you’re not a math whiz… that’s a lot! Information is being produced at an incredible rate. It’s also being consumed at an incredible rate. One … Continue reading Is there an “except-when-online” clause?