Plugged In - Tuned Out

If someone had taken a poll in 2009, or even simply asked for a show of hands, of who owned an iPod, I would not be one of the masses counted.  Although I’m a Marketing major, I’m the epitome of a Laggard, at least when it comes to all things technology related. I really dislike the term Laggard, mostly because I think it makes me seem lazy…and because it rhymes, sort of, with the word braggart, which I am most certainly not the epitome of…

Anyway, my Laggard-ness in the realm of technophilia doesn’t mean I am a troglodyte incapable of deciphering gadgets. In fact, I really like gadgets!  I just always seem to spend my money elsewhere first, never quite mused enough with iPods or iPads or Kindles or Crackberries to consider transitioning into the Early Adopters species (or even the Early Majority for that matter).

Though I finally do own an iPod nano, I still can’t quite jump on the technology bandwagon and bring myself to buy anything else. I think I’m subconsciously fighting the techy vortex ***NO! NOOO! I DON’T WANNA DRINK THE KOOL-AID!!***.  The idea of being so plugged in that I’m actually tuned out of everything else around me is a bit frightening.  It’s ironic to think that plugging in to all these devices that are supposed to keep us connected actually unplugs us from the real world, but it’s true.  Just unplug yourself long enough to take a look around and you’ll see what I mean.

For example, I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve seen on the train, iPod earphones blasting, Crackberry in one hand, iPad in the other, oversized messenger bag slung behind them, stuffed with workout gear, Kindle and netbook.  They’re all so busy minding their business they have no idea that they’re spilling coffee on the guy sitting in front of them, they’ve blocked the aisle so other passengers are now having difficulty getting by and they are simultaneously infringing on the personal space of the rider in the seat behind them as their übertrendy bag swings back and forth while they attempt to steady themselves without griping a hand rail. 

These are the same folks that think you’re trying to rob them if you get frustrated enough to finally push their giant bag out of your face when you’ve had enough of their rudeness; the same folks who, because they’re too involved in their own off-beat rendition of Blue by Eiffel 65, don’t hear the conductor squawk about a mechanical malfunction causing a delay and they stamp their feet and curse profusely and start exhaling loudly about being late for their “really important life”.

Much about that whole picture makes my face twitch in aggravation and I think about it every time I consider buying a Nook or Crackberry.  I just can’t bring myself to plug in and tune out. 

Yeah…Courtesy – there’s no Ap for that!