@jca, yes, the times they are a changing. Thanks for reminding us some of the reasons we made various technology pursuits.
Maybe the reason it seems we have resented our kids for enjoying the things we have provided for them is not so much jealousy, as I thought, but lack of understanding.
Kids have reason to be fearful for their lives. At home, at school, walking to a friend’s home, shopping, everywhere is a potential danger to their safety.
I was unable to pry my daughter’s phone from her when things needed to be done, or I needed to talk to her. I’m trying to see it from the viewpoint of people born in this century. People my age look at these kids and believe they are separating themselves from personal contact. Actually, it lets them feel like they have a crowd with them, which is a comfort for those left feeling fearful all the time.
I think, looking back, Sandy Hook was a turning point for her. We adults mourned for a bright young educator who was killed protecting her students. I guess my daughter’s take was, “If teachers can be killed, what chance is there for we kids?”
Foster kids raped and killed by the people they need to keep them safe. Shooters killing people where they worship. Cops targeted for being cops.
I guess if I were fifteen, and I had a way to hold in my hand the comfort of friends any time night and day, I too might feel strongly about keeping technology close at hand.
I’m trying hard, to understand how the world looks to someone born nearly half a century after me.
Thanks all, for helping me sort things out with your various different views.
Just as we need to see things as they do regarding the safety of some technology, we also need to arm ourselves with information about the dangers of that very same technology. We need to know the pitfalls so we can impress upon them where those pitfalls exist, including how to get the exercise they tend to lack.
I am interested in knowing any other views on this.