Is The Whole World Making Us Become Reclusive??

[Frankie Coffeecake]

I went to go get coffee today, and across the street was this HUUUUGE Boarders that was closed down. It made me start thinking. Boarders was a place for people to gather, read, have coffee be with others. Then I thought of Netflix and other websites that that let you stream movies that made going to the movies or renting movies and actually being with people obsolete, or even filling your gas tank without going inside, just using your credit card. Not to mention website like Facebook where you post what you're doing instead of just enjoying what you're doing.

It made me wonder what is this world coming to? It's hard enough for some of us to go out into the world with our condition. Does the way society runs things making it even harder on everyone??

 

[Ruth]

I agree that today's world lacks face-to-face contact. On a positive note, it provides us with forums like this. Where else can one find such a collection of people from all over the globe sharing their PTSD experience and recovery?

 

[Frankie Coffeecake]

I agree that today's world lacks face-to-face contact. On a positive note, it provides us with forums like this. Where else can one find such a collection of people from all over the globe sharing their PTSD experience and recovery?

That is true Ruth, I was writing this and kind of laughing to myself thinking "I'm posting this on a website that's not face to face" but I just thought of how these "conveniences" makes it so easy to stay away from human interaction. I love having this website though, it's actually really helping me :inlove:

 

[AngelaMarie]

I know what you are saying about things changing. However, I for one am so grateful for the ability to log on to the forum or have email, etc. If it wasn't for this line of communication sometimes I would be totally alone. Also, I have contact with my daughter who lives in the States. If it wasn't for the convenience of the computer I wouldn't have contact with her because I wouldn't be able to afford calling her. I am actually starting to be able to interact with people more now because I am gaining confidence from my computer life.;)

 

[jasmin]

Fo shizzle I agree with everything stated above.. and AngelaMarie that is beautiful what you said about connecting with your daughter.

Um I think that communication in the modern world is both the best and the worst thing to have happened. Lots of casualties, mainly psychologically as it has effected general concentration, memory and the mind's ability to process information (due to hyperconnectivity). Not to mention the fact that we are the more lazy now with all our little toys and gadgets. And engaging (openly I suppose) with real people in the real world has become all the more difficult for many people.

I often wonder what will be the product of all this you know? What the children growing up now will be like as adults.. Surely there will be more identity disorders, what with all these alternative personas online.

I mean I am young (Gen Y).. and I see many faults in my generation though it is difficult to pinpoint sources. LOTS of people I know have difficulty in engaging with others, well.. hmm more so.. on deeper levels.. everyone is very shut off emotionally .. or maybe that's just how I see it.. being shut off and all.. hahaha I don't know

 

[Reclusive]

Now that would just be weird. ;)

On a more serious note, I've noticed a ripple across the internet that is using the internet to help coordinate people in real-life events. Some of us (especially me) use the internet as a source of socialization to replace in person stuff, but a lot of people use it to coordinate in person stuff with other people.

That's all I got for now, but I know there's something percolating!

 

[jd9900]

I think of what you said, and totally agree. I also try to remember that no matter how reclusive I may feel (generally speaking) the only one preventing me from going outside and taking a walk is me.

As far as in-person interaction versus on-line interaction, I also can relate to that, in a slightly unique way.

I met my wife on the internet. In 1990. We have been married 17 years and have 2 children, both teenagers.

For me, the lines of distinction between online and in person contact have always been gray. Moreso than many people see them, I think.

 

[WillThereBeCake]

Your observation is correct Frankie, but it isn't just driven by technology. Following 9/11, trends showed a major increase in what was called, "Nesting". People started staying closer to home, and at home. There has been a huge surge in home improvement sales, with much more money being spent renovating kitchens, adding upgrades and gadgets to make things previously reserved for restaurants and bistros. Home theatre rooms and man-caves are common place now, but virtually unheard of a decade ago. People are viewing their homes as their main source of entertainment and outfitting them accordingly.

The same trend pushes online dating. People just feel more vulnerable in crowded settings, so a little pre-screening and then a one-on-one are replacing the club scenes for meeting partners.

Technology has jumped in and filled the niche that people were craving. The internet has acted as a great filter, allowing us to connect with people with similar thinking or interests. Whether it be a group to discuss PTSD, or plan an Arab spring, or sadly, a devious attack, we no longer walk aimless around the street just wondering where the "others like me" are lurking and how to find them.

It's good and bad, but since I'm a nester, I love that I can have a lot of my entertainment delivered electronically and the popcorn delivered to my front door. I do pity those, especially the people who were very young that day, that now are in their teens, and crave human contact, but are finding it harder and harder to find. For me, I'm just looking for a droid that I can sit outside and periodically screams, "Get off my lawn!" ;)

 

[The Albatross]

I just think that innovations give more opportunities to express choice and actualize personality tendencies.

 

[jd9900]

Wow. That sentence is a mouthful. :) It took me a second to digest it, but....

*tries to comprehend once again*

Are you saying that the ability to create affords you better choices in your life? Forgive me, I am tired. I haven't slept well in the last 30 years. :)

 

[The Albatross]

Not necessarily better or worse... just more options depending on the user's mental/emotional condition or default personality tendencies.

 

[jd9900]

Thanks - I gotcha.

EDIT: I tend to say the same thing about money. It cannot buy you happiness, but it does afford you options.