Steve Jobs Withheld I-Products from his Kids?!

I came across an article today that blew my mind. Steve Jobs, famously known for the innovation of apple products, did not let his kids use i-phones or i-pads. He saw the potential dangers behind misusing technology and didn't want to see that happen to his kids. Instead, he placed a huge emphasis on family togetherness and interaction. He made a point to have a family dinner every night, where he and his family would discuss books, history, and other topics.

I also found it interesting that this article cites a study from the University of California that found an immediate increase in social skills among children within days of abstaining from media.

I think that is really neat. Steve Jobs revolutionized technology but did not let it take over his life, or the lives of his family members. He understood the importance of social interaction and did not let technology be a substitute. I think everyone can learn from his example.

Read the article!! It's incredibly short and wonderfully fascinating.

http://www.inquisitr.com/1468612/steve-jobs-didnt-let-his-kids-use-iphones-or-ipads-heres-why/#BvfH32gYFlASIVlh.01

Notifications!!!!!

I got bored in my two-hour-long class today. This comes as no surprise. However, what did come as a surprise was how I naturally responded. I was taking notes on my i-pad and decided to quickly pull up Facebook to check for notifications. Nothing. So I pull up my email and check for new messages. Nothing. So I pull up Facebook to check for notifications. I toggled between my Facebook and email three or four times before I realized what I was doing.

Yeup. I'm addicted to notifications.

I'm not even interested in Facebook feeds. I check my Facebook dozens of times every day just to see if I have a new notification. If I don't see a notification, I don't spend any more time on Facebook. Sometimes I'll try to think of an extra-clever status so that the next time I check Facebook I will have a new notification.

It's not just notifications on Facebook. I check my phone all the time, even if I haven't felt a vibration.  I check my email all the time. When I feel bored, I automatically turn to social media. I am still trying to figure out why. I think it comes from an inner desire to feel connected with people. Though having someone like my status doesn't help me become best friends with that person, it still facilitates some kind of connection. Checking all the time for notifications, emails, and texts goes beyond just looking for something to do. It comes from a desire to connect.

I think the same principle applies to others. The other day, out of pure curiosity, I decided to count the number of cell phones I saw on the way to class, whether people were talking on them, texting, or simply holding their phones in their hand. During my ten minute walk to class I counted 105 cell phones. A lot of those cell phones were not being used, they were simply out. Why do people cling to their phones? Because they love feeling connected. We tend to get hooked on media that allows us to communicate and connect with others. We just need to make sure that these types of social media do not take over our lives to the extent that they actually inhibit our ability to connect with others.

On that note, comment on my blog so I can get a new email. :)