Spending too much time on a mobile
device can damage a marriage, research
from the All-China’s Women’s Federation
(ACWF) reveals.

Tonight I was talking to my 87 year old friend about the overuse of digital devices and programs for communications, cell phones, computers, emails, Facebook, Twitter and more. She has a long history of involvement in the civil rights movement but has not used any digital devices. (She does have a TV at home) Although there is a dark side to these devices, especially over-attachment and use, we both had to admit there is a positive side.

When I got home I found an example on my computer email. A person from Los Angeles saw a reposting of my posting on Diary of Worm on “Dorothy Day’s Worst Nightmare. He saw the connection of military teaching of “reflexive or reflex killing” to traumatic stress disorders in soldiers and veterans, and the currently discussed police shootings of civilians. He is correct in making the connection and I will write him back tomorrow with more.

The ability of digital devices to connect almost everyone nearly instantaneously is one of the values of these devices. However, too much information (TMI) can lead to a lack of compassion and emotion when there is just too much to take in so we need to shut down a little.

For years I could not understand why, after a period of time in a shopping mall, I would suffer a headache. I realized finally that the many visual and sound stimuli were coming at me so fast in the Mall that I had to insensitive myself or suffer from an overdose.

At times I overuse my smart phone and computer and stop reflecting, just seeking more information, not digesting it. Digital devices can easily be addictive. These devices often take the place of reading or reflection which is not good. Slowing down “to smell the roses” for me means less computer and smart phone use and more reading and reflection.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, (Jesuits), talked about detachment from things, using them for the greater glory of God but not being dependent on them. I wonder what he would say about modern day digital devices. My guess is he would say they are wonderful and helpful things but overuse can lead to attachment. I think he would say we need to be detached from digital devices.

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