The robot invasion has arrived

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By Stephen Cook

They always say if science fiction can think it up, it will happen.

So where is the robot invasion? Well, it’s already here – just look around.

According to a report released by the International Data Corporation (IDC), 79 percent of smartphone users reach for their devices within 15 minutes of waking up. Then throughout the day, they will go on to check Facebook an average of 14 times from their phone. And that’s just Facebook – Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and all the others just add on to that!

Now tell me that doesn’t sound robotic.

I’m not saying that checking your Facebook is wrong, I’m just saying that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. We are becoming gluttonous with the interwebz.

That, in turn, is morphing us into creatures who would rather spend time with a computer or a phone chatting with one of our 2,000 “friends” than with actual, 3-D, living, breathing friends.

I know, unfortunately, we are a campus where folks would rather look at their phone in order to avoid eye contact with the person next to them; it’s an easy way out. But look at it this way, what are you missing by always staring at a tiny screen?

I’ll be honest and admit I often check Facebook or Twitter before classes, but it’s good to put away the phone and look up, look around and talk to people. It’s refreshing to stop and think without the distraction of the blue glow. Also, even if you are checking your phone, you can still be aware of your surroundings and be courteous to others. Besides, hunching over and holding your phone three inches away from your face is bad on your eyes and your neck.

The modern smartphone may be an amazing invention, but it is obviously both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows us to communicate with anyone in the world in a matter of seconds. On the other hand, it’s turning us from compassionate human beings into computerized machines. Instead of verbally socializing with others face to face, we thrive through faceless, emotionless, often poorly-spelled words on a screen.

As we go into spring, nicer weather should hopefully arrive soon. Try to spend time outside, meet with others face to face or take up a new hobby or interest. Slow down, relax and take some time to think about what matters in life.

After all, what will you look back on? The cat memes that you posted on your friends’ walls or the actual time you spent together with your friends?

Contact Stephen Cook, editor-in-chief, at scook35@jccc.edu.

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