To Be Needed

You see them everywhere you go. Everyone has one and are usually using them. You can make calls, send text messages, check your email, take video and pictures, figure a tip- there isn't much that a cell phone won't do these days. I can't remember my life without a cell phone and feel very naked when mine isn't near.

Why? What is our obsession with cell phones, email, text messaging and instant messaging? Why do we feel such a strong pull to be connected and stay connected? What is it about this little machine that has become more addictive than caffeine? What? What? What?

In my opinion, it is because we all (as humans) desire to be needed and wanted. That phone call or text message is a communication that someone needs you or wants your opinion. It has become our link to other people, allowing us to communicate (in numerous ways) with people sitting right next to us or 2000 miles away. Whether it is a simple text message saying "I miss you" or "Call me" or a 2 hour conversation as you are driving home from work, cell phones have given us the ability to be reached 24/7.

As humans, we feed on that accessibilty and get down when no one calls/emails/text messages or when they don't return your communication. Is this healty for our pshyche? Good question. This technology is a part of our world and we have all embraced it (even Arynda finally broke down and bought a cell phone). I couldn't imagine being stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and no way to communicate my need. Maybe I take it too far, though, but having my phone by my side at all times. At least I haven't graduated to a blackberry aka crackberry (but honestly I would get one in a heartbeat).

As long as we keep our usage in check and do not neglect the person sitting across the table from us at a restaurant in order to carry on a conversation via text messaging, then I think we will be able to survive. We also must learn not to determine our self worth by the number of phone calls, emails, text messages, etc. that we receive.

(I would write more, but the battery on my cell phone is about to die and I wouldn't want to miss an important call...)