When I was in school to become a master of systems of information, one of my courses focused heavily on the concept of Human-computer interaction, or HCI. Wikipedia defines this term thus: "Human–computer interaction (HCI) involves the study, planning, design and uses of the interaction between people (users) and computers. It is often regarded as the intersection of computer science, behavioral sciences, design and several other fields of study. ... The term connotes that, unlike other tools with only limited uses (such as a hammer, useful for driving nails, but not much else), a computer has many affordances for use and this takes place in an open-ended dialog between the user and the computer."
I was reflecting on this tonight as I considered my day. How much time did I spend interacting with a computer vs. with my family? Did those interactions appropriately reflect the computer/phone's status as a tool? What was the purpose of the dialog between me and the device? What was the result?
I remember hearing Sister Julie Beck refer once (can't find it online, but I remember hearing her) to a computer as a tool, much as a dishwasher is a tool. How much time do I spend with my dishwasher? As little as possible, right? I'm interacting with it only for the purpose of benefiting myself and my family with regard to its specific use. Do I view the computer the same way? Lately I have used it more as an escape than as a tool, and I need to reevaluate.
Sister Belle S. Spafford, the ninth Relief Society general president, said: “The average woman today, I believe, would do well to appraise her interests, evaluate the activities in which she is engaged, and then take steps to simplify her life, putting things of first importance first, placing emphasis where the rewards will be greatest and most enduring, and ridding herself of the less rewarding activities" (Belle S. Spafford, A Woman’s Reach (1974), 23.).
Julie wrote an excellent post about this prioritization already, and I suppose it has been on my mind as well as I consider which things come first in my life, and how my devices fit into that paradigm. I am going to take steps this next week to remember that human-Deity interaction always trumps any other interaction, and comes first, and human-human interaction is better than HCI any day.
Your thoughts?
I think about this all the time! I don't get on the computer, but I am always on my phone checking emails, texting, or looking at Facebook. My kids always ask if they can play on my phone or the tablet, and I am very careful to limit their time. I then realize I need to limit my own time too! I love my phone, and it is a very useful tool, I just need to be careful to make sure it is only a tool, and not a replacement for other, more important things.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Laura!
I've been thinking about this a lot since reading your post, and I'm happy to report some significant improvement! It feels nice. I really want to get rid of my smart phone, but I love the camera and the GPS features. I've been better about only doing email/FB on the computer which has helped a ton.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts. I have been thinking a lot lately how silly it is for me and Kimball to both be in the same room, but not interacting. :( Human interaction is what will give us true joy in this life!
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