This is the response I got while speaking with one of my peers about the concept of and eReader versus a good old fashion paperback novel. The stimulus for this conversation was an interview that we attended with author Jonathan Safran Foer. Foer was openly vocal about his stance against modern technology and the power that it holds over today’s society.
When asked his favorite part of living in New York City, Foer unexpectedly declared that he loves riding the subway. While many New Yorkers dread the public transit system, Foer explained how he enjoyed the opportunity to indulge in a novel, and occasionally make eye contact with those around him. He then went on to criticize the modern subway patron who spends the entirety of his commute with his eyes glued to the screen of his cell phone. Foer then took the opportunity to warn those present to be wary of technology, and to explain how he will occasionally leave his own phone home in an effort to force interaction with his surroundings.
I have since then found myself contemplating why technology has such a hold on our lives. Why is it that something that has the power to connect us to so many resources also has the ability to disconnect us from the world directly around us. Why do we choose to spend hours browsing Facebook, yet cannot partake in conversations involving modern events?
I believe disconnecting oneself from technology allows one to have a greater appreciation for the various forms of art around herself. For Foer, art has no boundaries. A painting is congruent to a novel, which is in addition congruent to a film or sculpture. I am not certain what my concept of art is at this point, mainly because I have not exposed myself to much of the artistic world. However, I am certain that technology, in many ways, prevents us from embracing the various forms of art around us.What would happen if or phones and social networking sites were deactivated for a day? A week? Perhaps we would remember what it was like to read a good book while waiting for the train to arrive at our station. Perhaps we’d have a few more paper cuts.
