One of my most popular posts is about digital choices in scripture study. I still think this is a great choice, but I also think we need to be careful. We all know there are problems with the addictions of digital devices in our society. Here is an interview with author Sherry Turkle about her book, Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other.
She tells us that we are beginning to lose the art of face-to-face communications. We go to dinner with friends, but take turns texting, which leads to a surface conversation. Children complain that their parents are not paying attention to them. Teens refuse to even have a phone conversation because they cannot "plan out" what they are going to say like you can in a text.
It is obvious that our digital life is not going away, and there are many advantages to it, but what can we do to help minimize the negative affects on our family?
1) Make certain places/times in our home a digital free zone. Keep a basket in the living room for phones during meals.
2) Make a pledge to put phones/tablets/ laptops face down when someone is talking to you.
3) Have one scripture study a week a "digital free" study. Enjoy digging into the scriptures and highlighting by hand.
4) Help your kids be comfortable in a conversation. Help them make phone calls, talk to friends face to face, or visit neighbors.5) Have fun together as a family, without devices. Play games, laugh together, take a walk.
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