FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
"The year we stopped talking to one another."
That's what USA Today dubs 2010, in light of the unprecedented use of technology.
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We are awash in technology. It's estimated that 93% of Americans now use cell phones or wireless devices. And one-third of those people are using so-called smartphones, which means the users can browse the Web and check e-mail on their phones.
According to an industry trade group, from June 2009 to June 2010, cell phone subscribers sent 1.8 trillion text messages. That was up 33% from the year before.
In other words, most of us spend our days walking around with our noses buried in our cell phones, BlackBerrys, iPhones, etc.
And while we're doing that, we're tuning out the people who are actually in the same room as us. We seem to have long ago crossed the line as to where doing this stuff is appropriate - people take calls while they're out to dinner, text or check e-mail while on a date, you name it.
Some experts say it's time to take a step back and reassess. They're reminding people that technology can be turned off, and that it's important to connect with people in person. They worry that kids won't know what it's like to share a story or actually look someone in the eyes. And that's sad.
But others point out the benefits of all this technology - staying in touch with friends and family, efficiently using time once spent doing nothing and being able to check in from anywhere.
Here’s my question to you: At what cost has technology replaced personal interactions?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dave in Orlando writes:
The cost is great, but the problem is that much of it is invisible. Kids today have no idea of how to interact and actually read someone's face – you can't do that on Facebook. They think nothing of ripping someone in an email or blogging with little or no idea of the consequences. People say things over the internet that would get them punched out in person.
David in Las Vegas writes:
The cost, Jack, is America's future. Look at the international test scores in reading, math and science. Our children spend more time strengthening their thumbs than learning the skills to be competitive on the world stage.
Sheila writes:
I think that we need to have good technology etiquette while in public, but I think that technology does keep me in touch with people I wouldn't necessarily have the time to meet with face-to-face on a regular basis.
Jed in New York writes:
There are times at work when the elevator doors open and I see 4 or 5 people, all looking into their phones and typing with their thumbs. I have a smart phone, but I'm really not so sure I like it; it's like a tiny version of the desk I already spend so much time at.
Brian in Boise, Idaho writes:
Jack, Seriously? What a load of crap. What does USA Today think we're doing with all of this technology? Baking pies? No, we're talking to each other. Just because it's not the way old people talk to each other doesn't make it any less valid a form of communication.
Steven in Los Angeles writes:
I was watching your show on my iPhone while typing this comment. This will be short because I need to update my status on Facebook from "in a relationship" to "single." I need to let my partner know how I feel so I'll text them before I submit the change. Isn't technology cool, as in cold.