Practice Makes Permanent, Part 2

A few months ago I wrote on this blog about how practicing doesn't necessarily make perfect, but it does make permanent. And if you are practicing any skill, whether it be a musical instrument, public speaking, trade, exercise, etc. if you practice the "wrong" way of doing it, then you will continue to perform that task with errors that could potentially have harmful effects. For instance, if you continually pick up objects by bending over with your back instead of bending your knees and then lifting, serious injury can occur.

I think the same goes for our use of technology. Technology is something we can all agree that it serves a very useful purpose in our everyday lives. Technology can expedite communication, improve relationships with old and new friends, and it can improve the production, sales, and output of a business.

However, if we use technology applications without considering how it affects different aspects of life, than technology can cause harm.

I watch people, kids especially, when they text or if they are on social media sites, and they "chat" with others using what looks like hieroglyphics sometimes - but the messages and the topics are short and sweet. What happened to good old conversation? What happened to the art of debate or encouraging others to think and have an opinion about today's world news?  It's bad enough the art of verbal communication and face to face communication is diminishing, but is the use of certain types of technology or social media applications hindering our attention span and focus as well? I wonder if the practice of fast talk and superficial conversation is permanently harming our ability to explore our world in an intelligent and thought provoking manner. Maybe it is those "things" in our society that make life easier; or it is actually making life lazier? I apologize, but nothing good can come from lazy. Granted, everyone needs a bit of laziness to take a break sometimes, but when the practice of lazy  becomes permanent, only bad will result.

As a parent I know I am responsible for what my kids have access to and teaching them the proper ways to use technology. More importantly, I know it is my job to know when to say "no". As an adult, I must also practice what I preach. Am I off-base here?

I love researching topics of communication that include hearing vs. listening. Listening skills are such an essential part of us, and can never be taken for granted. I ask myself daily, did I actively listen to my colleagues? Did I get all the information I needed so I could make an educated decision? Or did I just selectively listen to the other person because of distractions. Hmmm.... practice makes permanent....