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A.T. Symeonidis's avatar

Beginning in the 60s we entered the epoch of the lost generations.... and we continue to sink. As for myself, I've sunk a long time ago... but I do juggle with a "smartphone" nevertheless... Time for a walk.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks for your comment, AT. A walk! What a concept! Out in nature.

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Janice Walton's avatar

It’s an important consideration. Let’s not forget those walks face-to face time, and hugs.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Wow! Yes! Thanks, Janice. People in the same room with you! Great idea!

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T. D. Wolf's avatar

I do not know the answer. I’ll ask ChatGPT.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Why didn't I think of that?

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Kate Henry's avatar

You asked. The Chinese own and run TikTok. Not innocent entertainment. They think in 50-year terms. The US thinks in 4-year terms. They have time to buy our country's farmland and indoctrinate more than one generation of our people. They will own us before the current adults are dead. Forget learning French and Spanish. Take Mandarin and at least understand what they are saying when they don't want us to hear. They don't need war ships to land in California, we import their soldiers by the hundreds everyday through southern "border". Accountability and honor are erased from our schools. "Me first", "Me Only" overrules learning practical skills, or even general knowledge. Kids on their phones will live in Mom's basement forever. Computer games built on "bang bang kill them all for fun", bleed over into real life. Easy transition from game to stripping stores and burning buildings without guilt. Cure? Homeschool your kids. Trade the fancy phone for "granny" style that takes calls, makes calls and has alarm clock.... nothing else. Reclaim their brains. Reclaim their lives. Or learn Chinese.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

A thoughtful personal perspective from a wise older woman. Thank you Kate!

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Linda Brown's avatar

I read a whole book on this last year...Our souls ache for human connection, but now favor the distance and control via a smart phone rather than enjoy those humans who surround us in real life because it is easier to deal with hard relationships that way. Some families even say no arguing among yourselves but it can be done via texting because that way you can better control your responses....

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yet another thoughtful personal perspective from a wise older woman today. Thanks, Linda.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Powerful, and scary. I know my phone is like my security blanket, ever in my sight, and mostly in my hand. I don’t post political banter like I used to. It serves no purpose, and I don’t even know if I’m talking to an actual human being, or a “bot”. Conspiracy theories abound, so I stick to babies, puppies and well-researched articles, by respected sources.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Smart girl. We have to take a stand somewhere.

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James Ron's avatar

"Bread and circuses" in the palm of our hands. Most don't know they have surrendered so much of their own thought. We like to think we have control but for the most part it is only as to which bread or circus we choose to indulge in.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Well, that's the thing, James Ron - "people don't know" or care. It is as if we have all drunk the Kool-aid and are not even concerned about how we are being turned into sheep -- sheep who will believe anything - or, worse, believe nothing. I will be dead soon, and it won't be my problem, but I do hope people will wake up.

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Amie McGraham's avatar

A chilling reality.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes it is. Unless we start using our intelligence. Thanks, Amie

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Richbee's avatar

Pictures say 1000 words I must have a gazillion on my phone waiting to be read.

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David Perlmutter's avatar

I must be part of the last generation that grew up without that damned stuff.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I am of the dwindling tribe as well. I spend a lot time on line, but there is no other way to write for Substack. I've never had a smart phone - it's just one choice I made to help maintain my sanity. We humans are frail, susceptible, sheep-like. When I see the vacant stares all around me it is scary. Is it to late to go back? No.

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Nathan Slake's avatar

Depressingly accurate photos!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Doesn't anyone worry about this?? Are we so helpless?

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

I have a photo of my son-in-law holding his son on his lap to watch a video of car racing. Dad is enraptured, smiling at the movement of cars on the tiny screen. My grandson's eyes are dull as if to say, "Meh! Let's go for a ride, Dad." Your photos are of the generation that created my daughter and son-in-law. Get a high-pressure job so you're too damned mind-fried to actually DO anything, so you zone out on screens.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

You think that is what it is? Exhaustion? Maybe.

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

When they become adults, exhaustion seems to be the order of the day. Anxiety built up from social media; the mental work expended to do their non-physical jobs; and all they want when they come home is to climb into a bubble of mindless entertainment. My husband is kind of the same way. He's a computer programmer and doesn't want to think too hard after work. Little Robbie is extremely physical, hyperactive. Always exploring. Watching a live car race or watching machinery work absolutely captures his attention. Watching screens is distraction, back-ground noise. The people in your photos are actually in training for that exhaustion release bubble because they haven't been allowed to explore or be physical. It tends to take away Mom or Dad's attention from their own phones. It's generational-zombieism. (My god, have I wandered around this explanation enough?)

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I understand your point of view Sue! I take issue only with this: "... because they haven't been allowed to explore or be physical." I would say they have CHOSEN not to explore or be physical. The same way a drug addict chooses his addiction over a life of purpose and dignity. In the 70s I had a friend who downed a lot of methamphetamine. When I suggested he could get help, he maintained," I am not addicted to speed! I can't quit any time I want to! I just really LIKE it, that's all." I believe many who are chained to their phones understand that their minds are trapped and controlled, but choose to do nothing because they really like it... If that is not addiction, I don't know what it is.

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

I agree totally. That mind-meld with the cell phone is indeed a stimulus to the dopamine in one's brain. I've read that people who have an ingrained sense of purpose and/or healthy self-esteem may try drugs, but they don't become addicted because their brains are formed against that need for dopamine. When kids are handed a screen device as a toddler, they get that hit and also copy their addicted parents. Not only is it literally a drug but it's also a culture that's bred by the family dynamics. This is not a simple issue any more than drug addiction it. People need whatever makes them feel good and they'll succumb to it any time it's offered.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

What it is to be human.

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

Lovely series of photos. I very much enjoy my iPhone. During my walks in the park I listen to books. I am 81 years old and didn’t grow up the new technologies. Still, I enjoy them as much as I can.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Yael, for your comment. Happy day to you.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Oh wow! Chilling - and such great food for thought, Sharron. Thank you.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Rebecca. Those photos look like a dystopian nightmare to me, except they are real now, not an imagined view of the future.

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Justin Deming's avatar

Amen to that, Sharron. What an important message!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Justin. I don't see us doing much about it as individuals, though. It's the nature of addiction to rationalize, isn't it?

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Linda Cardillo's avatar

Ask myself that question daily

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

As well we all should. But alas.. Thanks Linda , for coming over to Leaves today.

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