The Separate Life.

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011

I've been having conversations recently with a few people about texting, tweeting, Gchat, smart phones, etc. In most of my friendships, I'm not overly concerned about their/our use of these technology tools, because they really are tools to help us connect, relate, network. Not distractions or illusions.

Yet, I am wary of overuse of these instruments of communication. Because some relationships seem to formulate through emails and Facebook messages, but then fall flat face-to-face. Yet the human heart, is lured and drawn and comforted most fully, face-to-face. It is expressed in the twinge of the lips, the curl of lash, the crinkle in the brow.

What I am more fearful for, is how sometimes the use of these resources lend to a 'separate life.' For example, you can text one guy for a week, multiple times a day, and no one else would know you're even friends with him. Or, you can text comments to a co-worker, that you know if his wife saw it, she would be mortified. Or, you can do the same with Gchat, FB messages, etc... formulate relationships that almost appear secretive, and some purposefully are.

I have a few friends who have said so, about themselves. I have others, who I know if someone checked their computers or phones, that person would be ashamed, defensive, and/or humiliated.

The definition of integrity is "adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty" and "the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished." (dictionary.reference.com)

In your use of technology tools, live, act, and communicate with integrity. Create and sustain a whole life; one that weaves in and out of these instruments as methods, but that still measures your character with respect and your relationships with reality.