“Hellomoto” – sorry what was that?

When one publishes ideas via this medium, there is always the chance (distinct) that what is written will attract debate, even at times views that are vehemently opposed. So be it! I welcome the feedback, so long as it is constructive and that in the process levels of awareness become a little more acute.

I know it seems a romantic concept to talk about my having just been in Hamburg. Truthfully, I was struck by the beauty of this city and its many catherals, museums and historical showpieces. In reality, however, it was not at all romantic – I was there alone, to meet potential representatives of the school, who in turn I hope, will send us students to study at Fahan. Being unable to share the experience of being in Hamburg with Kit certainly did the visit an injustice from that perspective. On the other hand, I was there to work and that was my focus…although I did run around the lake on Sunday, a significant distance for the old body – non stop! From a potential enrolment increasing perspective, I am very positive about our chances of success, whether these girls be long or short term visitors.

One other occurrence struck me while I was eating a meal in the hotel. I watched as a family, mum, dad and daughter arrived for a meal and sat down. Almost immediately the daughter took out her mobile phone. Mother left the table for a while to speak with someone else and during the ensuing 10 minutes, neither father nor daughter uttered a word to eachother – well, virtually. The daughter sat, apparently totally engrossed in what was coming to or from her phone. Father attempted to speak but was offered little more than a grunt or a nod in response from his offspring.

Isn’t this a sad situation? I think so. It is not, from my experience, one that occurs only in Germany. It occurs everywhere across the world and no less in our own back yard. So many of our young people have become slaves to this technology. Their mobile phones have become the centre of their social being – these young people have at times become socially bereft and frequently, plain rude when it comes to their engagement in conversation with others, without the distraction of a “beep” or trendy “tone” signalling an immediate interruption – because what it offers is seen more important.

Sad? You bet it is! Frustrating – yes that too. Then why, I ask myself do we allow our children to do it without accountability and bear in mind I have not been game enough to even start talking about the cost involved. It is not the financial cost, however, that concerns me (although it should concern someone) – its the social cost of allowing it to continue. Why is a 25c single word response to a message from a friend more important than talking with people? How did we ever manage to survive without this technology? More importantly, how will we survive with it, when it is used like this? It makes you appreciate some of the old values instilled into most of us, where we had to actually ask our parents if we could use the phone – it was not our right. At those times, the privilege was not granted in lieu of conversation!

I know there are positives to young people having a mobile phone. I understand they are a very real part of their culture for convenience, safety and social reasons. We all need to accept this but as with everything, common sense, good manners and a capacity to engage in conversation are values worth maintaining I think. I don’t believe this negates our adult responsibility in helping ensure a fair sense of responsibility is taken for and understood in owning and using a mobile phone.