The Flaneur’s Smartphone

Today, in 2017, as much as we are bombarded with ads for the newest technology and the best smartphones, it seems that we are equally as bombarded with ads begging us to ditch our phones and computers and get back to “real life”, “simpler times”. These ads (or articles, blog posts, things elders tell us), suggest or even outright accuse that technology such as smartphones cut us off from “the real world”. Let me explain the problem that I have with this way of thinking.

But first, let me say that by no means am I a master of technology. I adore actual books in real form, turning the pages, handmade bookmarks. I love handwritten letters. I love the sound of music on vinyl. I love putting my hands in the dirt and watching fresh food or flowers grow. I am a flaneur. I love to wander with no particular destination, and simply see the surroundings and observe life. There is a plethora of knowledge about ones surroundings that walkers and cyclists obtain, that others do not. The key is observation, the flaneur is not in a mad dash to be somewhere, and instead is appreciating the journey.

However, the suggestion that we need to abandon our smartphones to do this, is forgetting or simply ignoring some important things. One is that thanks to smartphones and computers, and the resulting social media, it’s possible to interact with people all over the world. Another is that this technology gives us the opportunity to document our surroundings in ways such as photos and recordings that can be shared, sometimes even live. This is a wonderful educational benefit. It gives us the chance to review what we saw, perhaps notice more details the second or third time. And it gives us a chance to let others share in the experience no matter where they may be.

As I said, I am a flaneur, and I love to observe. However, I always have my Iphone with me, fully charged. Heck, I usually have a back up charger with me too. On many occasions my camera is with me too, since photography is one of my primary forms of art. But the phone is the piece of technology that can keep me connected, and that is something I value highly. I hate going days without communicating with certain people, I hate it. Sometimes you form a close connection with someone who you primarily communicate with online, because of distance or whatever other reason. So, not being online probably means not communicating with them. That’s one thing to think about before shutting off your phone and/or social media for extended (or any) periods of time, you’ll be missing out on that connection, and someone might be missing you.

These are just a few of my thoughts on technology, and the benefits of it. Sure, it’s a pain in the ass sometimes, especially with all the political rants and annoying memes on news and social media these days. But, it makes life simpler in many ways and can keep us connected to the news and people we want to connect with. The image I’m posting here is a photo edit I did titled “The Wheels Of Time”. As I was looking at it on my computer background while typing this, I realized it also looks a bit like a cassette tape. So I thought it was a good picture to accompany this article on today’s technology.

★·Su Lilly Red ★·

Words Photos Painting Jewelry Design. B.A. in creative writing/poetry. Here to share thoughts on topics that haunt, inspire, or educate. Susanlilly@zoho.com

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