Are We Too Dependent on Technology?

I attend meetings at my local weight management group. I am a lifetime member and still enjoy the support and networking and sometimes I get good article ideas. Today my idea came not from the meeting topic, but from what was happening.

This organization automated the operations of the main “store front” locations with computers several years ago. The remote locations they rent only for the meeting times, like at churches and gyms, are not automated. So there is obviously still a procedure for running a meeting manually, however the automated centers no longer stock the supplies for this and some of the staff members either have never been trained on, or have long forgotten, the manual procedures.

Today the computers were down, and even with the help of technical support the staff were not able to get them fixed by the end of the meeting. They weighed people manually and sold products, but attendance and product sales were not being recorded. That’s a problem because the staff earns commissions based on attendance and product sales! This will also cause a slight problem for the members who do not prepay for a monthly pass, because next week the computer will want to charge them for a missed week and the receptionist will need to override the charge.

As a former employee, I loved the technology because it improved accuracy and saved time. But I do feel it reduced the human element somewhat. The receptionist is now so busy looking at the computer screen, scanning things, and clicking on options (when the computer is working:) that I feel eye contact has been reduced. And that reduces empathy and feelings of being connected which are VITAL to this organization.

I realize that many of the things we have today rely on technology. But have we become too dependent on it? Are we losing the human element of business?

I just upgraded to a “smart phone” this week. I confess I have wanted it for some time, so I came up with the excuse of wanting to check email and Facebook while away without having to carry my computer and possibly pay for internet access. I actually find it ironic that the low cost motel chains provide free wireless access while the larger, expensive hotels charge for in-room access. With more people getting smart phones every day, I wonder how soon the large hotels will stop offering access outside of their offices in the lobby which are normally free to use.

I love the idea of the smart phone, but ever since my husband got his, he is often distracted when I am trying to talk to him. It’s just too easy to check mail or surf the net! One man even told me this week that he feels all of the kids these days (and some adults!) talk only in text messages. He said they are always referring to “talking” to their friends when actually they only exchanged text messages.

I love technology. But I escaped my career in it to have more human contact. Yes, I know you are reading this on a computer and I am writing it on a computer! But I submit articles in the hope of actually speaking with some of my readers one day!

Technology is grand and extends our reach. But don’t forget that you have eyes and ears for a reason, and your mouth isn’t just for eating! And my smart phone will never replace hugs.

Source by Dale Reynolds

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