Written by: Lynn Wallich
Date: September 17, 2015
“I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots”
Albert Einstein
At the Gateway Theatre there is an art exhibit existing of numerous paintings of people sitting with each other doing nothing but texting on their mobile phones. Various venues are depicted such as at a restaurant, an athletic event, in a classroom, in a living room, in a theatre, at the beach, etc. The artist begins the exhibit with the quote from Albert Einstein and as one walks through, one can’t help but laugh at the various ways people are avoiding human interaction.
At first glance, one thinks that only a few pictures focus on the art of cell phone texting as the main means of communication. However, as one moves through the exhibit, it becomes evident that all of the pictures present people texting no matter where they are and no matter what else they are doing. Going through the exhibit was at first fun and the Einstein quote boosted the thought that yes, this is the “generation of idiots.” Then realization set in. This exhibit portrayed family members, friends, colleagues, and complete strangers experienced on a daily basis.
One nephew communicates to the mother of his son only by texting. Both nephews communicate to each other when they are sitting two feet away by texting. One nephew was dumped by several girlfriends via a text. When the boys want to ask their parents a question, it is done via a text. Many friends communicate about social engagements via texts and Facebook and one friend never uses the phone to actually talk with someone, only to text a question or post a photo.
As one observes the paintings in this exhibit, it becomes clear how many people are becoming part of the “generation of idiots.” It becomes very difficult to discuss current events with someone who cannot talk in a complete sentence or look one in the eye. The art of an argument is lost with shortened words or phrases that are often misinterpreted. One can’t even read a good argument since texting does not represent good writing. Unfortunately, this type of communication is not changing. It is only becoming more technical. Soon FaceTime will be completed via a picture or video and a taped message.
Let’s attempt to be more cognizant of those around us and make an attempt to text less and talk more. On the dog treat box there is a saying that says “Bark Less and Wag More.” People could take a lesson from this and “Text Less and Talk More” We might actually get to know someone better and connect with each other as human beings.