Tech Talk

CORE PRACTICE #70: Use technology to keep you connected; don’t allow it to pull you apart.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. . . . A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6

Lauren

Tony and I made appearances throughout Indiana while we were with the Colts. One interesting aspect of traveling the state’s highways was seeing members of the Amish community.

I was under the impression that the Amish shunned all technology, preferring to maintain their traditions and values. Instead, I’ve learned that they analyze technology with an eye toward what influence, if any, it will have on those traditions and values. If the impact is positive, they will adopt the new technology completely or modify it if necessary. If they believe the impact would be negative, they simply won’t allow it to come into their community. That’s why they shun the use of all mass media technology, such as televisions, radios, and personal computers.

We have a different approach to modern technology, but there is great wisdom in the Amish philosophy. Before allowing a new technology into our home, we ask ourselves if it will be good for our family. If there are downsides, we discuss the limits we should put in place.

Our son Jordan is a genius with electronics. Thank goodness! He doesn’t have to read the instructions to know how to operate most gadgets. He programs all of our remote controls, sets up all of our family’s computers, and troubleshoots them whenever something isn’t working.

Some of that technology has been great. Jordan taught us how to Skype with his two oldest siblings, an amazing advance that has allowed our family to shrink the geographical distance between us and keep us connected.

But as the writer of Ecclesiastes says, there is a time and a season for everything, and the Amish appreciate this attitude. The Internet, which allows us to Skype, also contains destructive forces that we don’t want to bring into our home, so we’ve placed limits on our devices.

In addition, we’ve set parameters on when those devices can be used. For example, we don’t allow Jordan to bring any electronics to the dinner table, and he can’t turn anything on until he’s finished his homework. Plus, we have time limits so that Jordan doesn’t become consumed with electronics—after all, we want some direct face time with him too.

To me, it’s a balancing act. Skype, e-mail, and mobile phones can link us with our family and friends in ways we couldn’t have imagined even a few decades ago. Paradoxically, if we’re not vigilant, those same technologies can isolate us.

At the end of the day, the best way to stay connected is to be with others. If there’s a way for the latest device to help with that, terrific. But not at the expense of it taking away from the time that we spend making memories together.

Adventure Application: Whenever the latest and greatest device, program, or app comes along, decide what kind of influence it could have on your family. When it comes to technology, is there anything you should revisit? Phones during meals? Certain time constraints for video games or movies? Limits on the Internet?