It won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has read a few of my columns that I’m not the biggest technology fan.
My gripes are largely that things change too fast, and too technically, for me to keep up.
Isn’t it time I accept that technology is decades old and getting more prevalent every moment?
That doesn’t mean I can’t make my case that we still have choices on how much it controls us and the consequences.
I’m not alone in the concern. The Financial Times ran an essay titled “Are we paying attention?”
It reviewed several books taking a critical look at the issues.
The subheading grabbed me: “Technology is having an adverse effect on our ability to focus, with profound implications for civic and mental health.”
Studies abound about detrimental effects of screen time on children’s learning and activities, and the serious problems of teens and young adults with social media.
We boomers can have use and overuse problems related to all those screens.
My case will be made with a trip to the supermarket. I concede some people are unable or unwilling to go to supermarket and choose online shopping and delivery services.
However, I will illustrate how those civic, mental abilities and health functions can be bolstered by our visit.
Remember, always pay attention.
Getting there: If ever there was the ultimate “pay attention,” driving a multi-ton machine is it. Whenever driving, eliminate all distractions of phone, radio and directional devices unless vital.
Have you ever “lost” your car in a parking lot? Again, pay attention, taking specific note of the aisle, direction car is facing or signs.
Tackling a supermarket: Your shopping list is obviously an executive function of organization skills, and needed unless your memory is outstanding.
Knowing your regular store’s layout is another good memory exercise.
Going to a different market is a great experience to check your tracking ability, and expanding information when spotting new products. Shopping is an opportunity to tune up math skills.
Buying apples: The produce section is full of color, scents and changing products.
Being in the present there is visual and reality-based. Different apple varieties are also expanding knowledge, making new neurons.
It’d great for decision making and detail analysis, checking items for perfection.
The produce department, like the rest of the store, is a place for environmental awareness of changing seasons, agriculturalmatters, growing and source locations. Your curiosity counts as mental exercise.
Deli counter: OK, so the deli section has ordering kiosks, but also humans.
Service may not offer the immediacy of information or action we are used to with technology.
Practice traits of civility, patience and mindfulness of surroundings. Find a way to make the wait worthwhile until the cold cuts are ready.
The condiment aisle: Any place in the store has the potential for communication and social engagement.
Bump into someone, or blocked by a cart? Smile and move on.
Thank a store employee for help. No one want to be invisible or dismissed.
I talk to other shoppers, given the right vibe, if I’m interested in a product they’ve chosen.
Being vertically challenged, I’m always asking for help with a high shelf item.
The thank you and pleasantry are pure social interaction.
I’m checking out: Patience, cooperation and attentiveness here.
I met a friend in our mutual market, and chatted a while.
The supermarket is our version of the old country store, where technology didn’t interfere with human experience. That’s my dino perspective.
I will maintain the inescapable technology can live in concert with reality.
It’s our choice to make that happen, just like choosing apples.
Susan L. Serbin’s Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation appears every other week.