Glad you liked the post! PEW had an OVERWHELMING amount of info on this topic haha. I have those same thoughts also, but looks like you're on track to not rely on the Internet so much!

I agree, though the addiction is what I'm afraid of. These kids have grown up with computers and cell phones, where as my age group didn't have these things until later on in life. I got my first cell phone when I was 15 or 16, so a little older than the 3rd graders who have them now haha. Didn't have a “family computer” until I was about 12 or so. Today's 11 year old group have been on these machines since they could semi-understand what it was. I think they can handle what's coming also, I just don't want them to be so consumed with technology that they forget a) how to effectively communicate face to face, and b) how important that interaction is.

Nice post.

You make thought provoking ideas here. I have on many occasions taken my cell phone on 10 mile runs!

Lately though, I leave it at home when running unless I am expecting a truly important call during the run–but home is where it should be…..like your leaving your phone in your car during gym work outs,
I believe the generation you speak of (today's 11 year olds) can handle today's technology unless they have 500 facebook friends and are semi-addicted to it. Those who wish to aviod the addiction / temptation can limit their exposure to it if they are focused. You also had your phone at a young age, right? How did you do?
From You know who!

Tom did bring up an excellent point with that quote. And I love your point about face to face communication. I have an iPhone also and now I'm always connected to EVERYONE and EVERYTHING, which is wonderful in some ways, not so wonderful in others. I know what you mean about having a sitdown conversation with someone after being with this technology all day and I agree 100%. Great insight!

Your point about using technology to connect with experience is key. That is how advancing forms of communication will keep relationships intimate and meaningful. Tweetups and the like are excellent examples of what you're talking about!

I love this quote by Tom O'Keefe: “I guess the important thing for us (and this goes farther than just Gen-Y) is to be able to know when to truly concentrate on a conversation or relationship, whether it's face-to-face or through digital communication.”

You can't ignore the value of face-to-face communication. It adds to the relationship and conversation. Skype and gChat allow you to mix digital and F2F but there's nothing like communicating while sitting next to someone. The chemistry and emotion can add to the conversation, which is priceless.

I see many Millennials who would rather communicate through text, DMs or FB statuses. My 19-year-old sister is a perfect example. She'll text my mother novels but say nothing when they're together. It boggles my mind.

With that being said, I love the options we have to digitally communicate. But after being on my iPhone and computer all day, it's nice to sit down and have a conversation with someone. It's a much needed balance.

-Alexia
@alexiaharris