My Aunt and I talk about Face-to-face interaction, Technology, and what (else) is keeping kids from (physically) Playing.

I've been discussing some of the issues brought up here with my aunt via e-mail, and I think our conversation might add a new layer to my own observations. Here's an exerpt of what we've been talking about (I think it's interesting to note that, despite our generational difference, she is the one that's well-versed in technology, and I'm the one-- supposedly of this digital generation-- that has never really latched onto it. This difference in sensibilities/inclinations is what made me so curious about her take on the cultural effects of technology.)

(My aunt's response to some of these ideas:)

"I think that computers are alienating people even though there's this huge "community" on line. If you can see people online, why bother to try to spend time face to face? That's what I think is a serious problem. We don't interact in a way that we used to. I remember going to our neighbor's house just to talk and drink coffee, and we just don't do much of that anymore. I also know that as kids we used to play outside ALL the time, and now I never see kids out playing. That is how we learned to get along with each other. Sports have become big business and not a way for kids to express themselves. Most kids just watch professoinal sports rather than going outside to play ball, etc. ...I totally understand the need for tactile experiences. I can't read a book or anything else online. I usually have to print things in order to read them. I do spend a lot of time online but am trying to limit that. I've been doing a lot of crafts lately, mainly knitting, crocheting and sewing. "


(My response:)

"Those are some interesting observations, about the way children are (and are not) playing today (as a result of technology and a bunch of other things.) I think the bunch of other things are notable as well. There's so much (sometimes ligitimate) fear associated with kids being able to play outside-- unsafe neighborhoods, crazy drivers, crazy kidnappers. People are really judgmental, too (like you're a bad parent if you let your kids out of your sight; irresponsible if you let them walk alone to the bus stop.) There was an article in the N.Y. Times a week or so ago about whether or not it's okay to let your kids walk to the bus stop:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/fashion/13kids.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

I read it and realized that if kids are able to turn off their xbox 360s and tvs and computers and get outside to play, that's really only the first hurdle. I remember being outside until it was dark almost every night, and just coming in for dinner when mom would whistle for us. That just doesn't even seem like an option anymore, and it's really sad to see rising childhood obesity rates and kids being less independent and relying on technology (instead of hands-on games) to relate to their peers. That situation, of using games and interactive media, is so limiting in terms of the development of kids' creativity (and attention spans...). We could have so much fun with just a cardboard box and a friend! "