Technology Isolates Us
This weekend, my husband and I were relaxing on our deck overlooking a lovely canyon with our two sweet Labs. Both of us were thinking (maybe our Labs were too!) about how we missed going to bookstores. Not only to 
buy books but to enjoy a mocha, socialize, chat, meet friends, listen to an author.
Sure, there are a few independent bookstores still around, many of them specifically for used books. And I love the indie stores, after all, I’m an indie author. But, honestly, I miss Borders. Barnes and Noble stores are okay, but somehow, they don’t have the atmosphere or congeniality that Borders had. Am I crazy? Don’t answer that.
What makes this really ludicrous is I badmouthed Borders when they put the little indie bookshops out of business. Now the giant is gone and I’m complaining.
So, how do I find new books? Sometimes at a great little shop, Warwick’s, in La Jolla. Sometimes at Barnes and Noble. But very often on Amazon. Which brings me to the topic of this blog. Isolation. I spend a great deal of time on the computer. Writing, blogging, and communicating through social media. When I do, I’m alone, isolated. How can social media be social in the true, maybe old-fashioned, sense of the word?
There’s something missing when your friends are texting you, rather than meeting you or at least calling you. You’re still by yourself. You can’t see their expression, body language, their frowns, their smiles, feel their touch. Okay, you can Skype. Not the same. Always a lag time so you look like a character in the Blair Witch Project.
Think about all the technology you use today, iPhones, iPods, iPads, Droids, Macs , PCs, GPS, cameras, videocams, new-car tech systems. All the Apps that go with them. Sheesh . And all the terminology – uh, I won’t go there.
And, when you’re learning and using this technology you’re by yourself for the most part. You’re isolated for hours upon hours every day, especially if you’re a writer. Anybody out there agree?
Waaah. I’m lonely.
Lynne, I think you have hit the mark exactly. Writing is a very solitary project. That’s why I think local conferences will be taking on a larger role as a social gathering, as much as an educational one. Maybe SDWI ought to consider some sort of monthly social gathering in additional to their schedule of classes?
Good idea! Critique groups are another way for writers to socialize. Thanks.
Lonliness is both a curse and blessing. I believe we keep company with our characters; at least, I do. Psychiatrists might lift an eyebrow at that notion, but each book I write is a social experience for me, the downside being that I can not physically hug an unhappy person or punch out a bully in my book. Hmmm…how long will it be until those new 3-D printers can produce physical copies of my characters? lol
Ha! Great comments, Dean!
I agree!! We are moreisolated than ever.
Thanks for reading, Terri.
I had to do Texting on my phone..my Animal Care clients won’t get in touch with me any other way. Have to admit though I like doing it.
Hi Jeannie,
Gee, your animals text you? Cool. I’ve got to teach Rosie and Bruno how to do that. Just kidding. Thanks for reading.
Lynne
I think the local library is a great resource. They usually have an activities room. Maybe more of us should think in terms of a reading night. Doesn’t have to be poetry, read anything.
The large Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza has it’s own indoor cafe and it has tables with umbrellas outside.
If writers better utilize libraries, they may add features like a Friday night coffee hour. Maybe.
What a great idea, Nike. I know the Grand Army Plaza Library very well since I grew up in Brooklyn. The outdoor cafe area must have been added since I left NY. If the library has such a space, where you could talk without bothering anyone, that would be perfect. There’s a new central library opening in San Diego. I wonder if they have an outdoor area? Hmmm. Will have to check. Thanks. Lynne
It’s challenging isn’t it. People have such busy lives. I think the definition of Friendship has changed…and that people throw the word around too easily.
If you come to Atlanta, I’ll take you for coffee and offer to show you the sights, including some indie bookstores.
Smiles,
Linda Joyce
Thanks for the invite, Linda. Likewise, if you come to San Diego!
I love to read, I on the average, read at least if not more than two books a week. My taste ranges from Historical romance to biographies. I appreciate a good story with a decent plot and interesting characters. A little behind the bedroom door but just leave the mystic there.
As for technology, I love my computer, I still have a PC which suits my needs, a cell phone for my use only, if I want you to know where I am I will tell you. I manage the phone it doesn’t manage me, Texting is a definite NO! NO! I prefer the English language in all its glory. I also prefer a book I can slip a book mark into and turn pages so have no reader of any kind!
I am always on the look out for a good read, a story that takes me some where else and teaches me something new.
Sounds like you have a handle on technology. As to NO to texting- you must not have to deal with teenagers! Thanks for reading, Lynn.