ye old technology debate, my perspective.

OH I know, it's getting old...the technology debate and all of the different perspectives. It struck me this weekend though that there is a whole other way of looking at this. It is not news that I am a fan of technology, a geek at heart. My experience of technology has always been a positive one and this extends wholeheartedly into social media.

It is my very humble yet passionate opinion that our experience of social media is a reflection of our offline lives and our self esteem, quite simply. So much debate rages around whether its a good thing or a bad thing, should we switch off, take a tech-cation? Yes its nice to get outside and smell the roses, sit under a tree and shoot the breeze. Who says we can't do that as well as photograph the moment on our iPhone, pretty it up and then share it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? Why is this instantly considered unhealthy?

Is this not just the current day version of scrapbooking, keeping memories for life, our children and future generations? Exercising our creativity? Technology to me is just the most amazing tool, if we approach it with a positive, authentic and realistic attitude. It does not really need to be so complicated, in the ten years I have been using social media I have had not one issue. Living proof that its all about the way we feel about ourselves and the world.

Yes this may seem a little simplistic, and of course as a parent I have concerns for that time when my child comes to learn about and use social media. I am certainly not naive about the dangers, the bullying and the inhumane ways in which people use the online world. I will most definitely be getting in as early as possible to share all that I know with my little man, when the time comes. I do honestly believe though that we can lead by example, instil the values in our children needed to live an authentic online life and even encourage the next generation to head into their online experience a lot more prepared than perhaps we were.

When I was growing up my parents spent a lot more time doing things like washing dishes, clothes and the home. They did not have the technologies that we have today, to create more free time for themselves. I see SO many parents lamenting the vortex of technology and social media that apparently sucks up all of their families time. WE have the ultimate control over what sucks up our time. Try looking at it another way, technology allows us to avoid the washing up, the washing of our cars, the long grocery trips...it even allows us to work from home! This was not even conceivable when I was a child...long commutes were inevitable and this took away more time with the family than social media does!!

I spend a lot of time at my home office, pictured above. It is a place that is a part of my open plan home. It is a place made possible only by technology. It allows me to work at any hour of the day, of my choosing. It allows me to make a real difference in the world by sharing my many life experiences far and wide, and it allows me to earn an income from the comfort of my own home. It allows me to spend more time with my loved ones and less time in traffic. It allows me to shop, work, blog and do virtually anything I want late at night when my baby is sleeping.

So, bring on the technology I say...make of it what you will, in the same way that you make of your life what YOU will. xx Love and Light.