Disconnecting the Addiction, Connecting to Conviction

[Smiley and West]

	Smiley: “I found myself becoming addicted to my cell phone, so I just gave it up.”     West: "Too many young folk have addiction to superficial things and not enough conviction for substantial things like justice, truth and love."

[Shelly AS]

This is a fun & important topic of discussion. It is very true that "young folk have addiction to superficial things" that were bought for them by parents or guardians. So, we probably need to cultivate the conviction in parents and young folk, simultaneously. On another note, my cell phone keeps me connected to family and friends and it's mainly used for conversing. I need to talk so I must hold on to my phone. :-)

[Max Segal]

This is my greatest challenge! Not phones or devices, but the internet, sites like this one. For example, if I see a link to a Cornel West interview, I must watch it.

Despite the internet being full of garbage, an even greater tragedy is the amount of good info and knowledge that one can access. It's almost too powerful in the sense that you could be reading and watching worthy media for an eternity, and never get anything done.

[D'Ronica Devyn]

I am going through this right now. Haven't had phone service since Tuesday of this week. It's killing me. I miss talking to my friends and since I'm looking for work, I keep thinking my phone is ringing off the hook with offers, it wasn't when it was on!. I probably needed a break from the "run and tell that" aspect of my life. the need to give a blow by blow my day to day challenges and victories. If I had to give it up I could.

[safirah chinwe]

family time helps. especially if it occurs daily. if there are no children, couples should still spend time together to see how each others day went. if electronic devices are not allowed during these precious bonding moments, it establishes a decreased impulse to run to the phone, xbox, internet, whatever the addiction.

[One Iam]

The electronic devices actually bring us closer together while at the same time expanding our individual worlds and influence in the collective world. Case and point, this forum. You're receiving an aspect of me that you otherwise would not have and vice versa if it were not for the internet, desktops, laptops and etc.
As a result of such things you share yourself with more people but you don't get more time. The quality of some of your more intimate relationships may fall off a bit but if you're using the tools properly to effect positive change and offer solutions to problems that effect us all, it's a fair trade off in my opinion.

[Teresa]

I have an addiction to my cell phone, and find myself using it to avoid speaking and talking to certain people. Our modern day technologies allows us the convenience of avoidance , while putting us at a disadvantage when it comes to interacting with people one on one, like it use to be. We will never be able to experience the full extent of any normal human interaction until we put limits on our usage of cell phones , computers and other mechanisms. Alot of us are socially handicapped because of cell phones, and other devices, we have to get back to the basics.

[Avid Follower]

When travelling one must carry wires as if they are an extension of our bodies to stay connected digitally or by satellite. The cellphones, digital cameras, portable gps devices, etc., all must have their batteries recharged. Health issues are a concern also when using cellphones as it is reported that they are carcinogenic. Addiction vs a conviction not to become addicted to something or someone will require abstinence or moderation.

[Jae N.]

I am listening to your comments on the internet. I follow you both on twitter to hear your comments. The internet helps me stay informed like a newspaper.

Also, I don't use landlines since I choose to just have a cellphone. When I go to sleep, I turn the ringer off. In fact, I turn my phone off often because many conversations could have been resolved with a quick email. Anyway, I don't see how a mobile phone or the internet is a problem for people. Procrastination & lack of conviction has been around since before technology.

[M.D. Writes]

I don't view the use of cell phones, iPads, and other electronic items as addictions to superficial things as much as a part of what has become our everyday methodology for staying connected to the world at large-- not to mention our own lil world's of family-n-friends, etc.

I consider myself blessed in that, in my home, my Dad introduced me to computers at the beginning of their birth so to speak. So, yes, my first pc was a big headed Tandy put out by Radio Shack or carried by Radio Shack. That one item gifted to me sparked my interest for gadgets- which lead to my want and need to further understand mathematics and science.

To me superficial largely depends on one's up bringing-- In my home we did not have the most recent in clothing, cars, hair-do's, and the likes but we did get the best education my Parent's dollars could buy and part of that education included understanding the difference between needs and wants. So, the cell phones, cars, name brand clothing, and things of that nature came when we were able to foot the bill for such items with our own money- and out of the three of us, only one of my siblings lives by wants vs. needs but he has right of passage to do so in that he earns a comfortable living, he has no children, and his wife also works but I digress--

Not all kid parents are raising their children to accept things over the conviction of life lessons. Do most kids have more things than I did when I was growing up-- you betcha! But any true parent is not just handing over things cause that's what hip to do or they have the money to do so. Real parents are handing out life lessons and hopefully helping their children to understand the basics of Real Life 101. For example, if the thing you want vs. need is not going to bring you eternal happiness then it is not worth the want put into it.

Finally, I do believe it somewhat hypocritical to suggest that having gadgets is the same thing as being rooted in superficial additions~ after all, on the Home page of this very website Mr. Smiley, the page offers its users every opportunity for staying connected (e.g,. get your iPod cast, etc.). Would you at least agree that some gadgets are just practical for the times we're living in?

[sharon lovely]

It is the times we live in...everything is done in excess...we are a society that eats,drinks, exhibit sexual behaviors to the extreme,selfishness and no conviction at all...might even turn they momma's in for a ipad touch if the ante is right.Superficiality is the norm in this "ME"generation.Caring,sharing,respect,truth justice and love have fallen by the waste side...we worship false gods...the designer watch,shoe,clothes,cell phones,computers etc....this is what substains our youth today...ready to bare arms to posess these items.Sickening yes,but ironically sickness leads to thoughts of what is really important in life when someone you love is dying and you can do nothing to save them...if we think of our own mortality then the need becomes... what good deeds can i forefill before i leave this earth...what legagcy?...because all the posessions in the world...we all know you can't take it with you... Moderation is food for thought...addiction we can live without!

[Patrick Haltiwanger]

Some folks have taken this out of context a bit. I don't believe they're suggesting the mere fact you have one equates to addiction.
It's when you allow these superficial and materialistic things to define your value.
It's when you try to compensate that internal void with external things.
The greatest fallacy we're subliminally fed every single time we expose our minds to social media: WE AREN'T GOOD ENOUGH!
When did self-love become permissible? It seems you have to receive confirmation and reverence from EVERYONE else, before you can love yourself.
In this egotistic, narcissistic, materialistic, and capitalistic society -- we're led to believe perception is reality.
If we see the latest technological gizmos and gadgets, expensive clothes, luxurious cars, and attractive features. Somehow we instantly believe they're "exceptional" and "got it all figured out". More often than not -- these are the most chronically unhappy individuals -- trying to rectify internal warfare with external possessions.

"If I'm perceived to have it all figured out, and everyone ELSE thinks highly of me. I'll feel a lot better." Because that's what we're taught to believe is true.

I'm quaint for my age.
I seldom even text nowadays.
I'm on hiatus from all social networking. This generation is revolting, vile, and grotesque.
It was heart breaking to witness people defame their character, and go to outrageous extents for approval.

"I IMPLORE you do NOT have a love affair with the world". - Joyce Meyer

"...and I'm STARVING for your HUMANITY!" - Brand New Voices Poet