Technology Essay

I just entered a contest from HP for a $5,000 Electronic Make Over. You have to write a 200 word (or less) essay about how you use electronic to help in your busy life. I'm not sure my entry was quite what they had in mind. That is, I imagine they want something about how wonderful and grand the electronics are, and my essay, well, just read it for yourself...

I think the most important way I use technology is to control how much of it we have. I am constantly analyzing if an item is really “helping” us, or if it is just taking up time and space. As such, we live without “necessities” like a TV, Microwave, Dishwasher, Stereo, and Coffee Pot. When I bring something into my home, I want to make sure it helps us to stay focused on the things that matter… which aren’t things at all, but people. The other way I use technology, is limit the amount of time we spend in front of electronic items. There is so much to see and do in this world; I encourage my family to get out there and experience the real world, instead of the one on-screen. Some days I classify as a “Power Down” day, where all electronics (including computers and phones) get turned off, and we spend the day cuddling and relaxing and playing. I really think it’s important to remember the technology is here to serve us; we have to keep that in mind so we don’t let ourselves get overrun with the latest gadget or gizmo.