Nice quote. Here's my thoughts (I tried to write it in an english-smart way but I did use first person and opinion a fair bit). Oh! I agree with the quote that technology can stand in the way of more important things but I argued that this a vice.
"When I got my first television set, I stopped caring about having close relationships." This quote refers to the way technology can stand in the way of the more important things in life; as it suggests as soon as one purchases their first technological appliance, it becomes a priority, making one "stop caring about having close relationships." In many parts of the world today, technology dominates life. The internet, cars, television, I-pods, movies, ovens, house-appliances and the like are just some of the must haves in order to live a successful, advanced, up to date life. However, it is the above quote that reveals the potentially deleterious nature of such technology. Many people find themselves absorbed by technology, having to turn on the television every night or update their myspace account daily. Its an addiction, a lifestyle, a bad habit. When technology is put ahead of things like family and friends, this is a vice.
More random thought...
How can something that is man-made possible override the most paramount part of life; people? These days, it already has. Take this antedote for example. My sister wanted to talk to me. She was in her room about 5-10 meters away from me, but instead out coming out of her room to gain my attention or even yell me in; she rang our home phone in order to ask me to ask me a favour. This is not only indicative of the laziness technology can forge but it also reflects the idea of technology as a dependence, like water or food. This philopsophy is one that should be changed. People should NEVER prioritise a myspace comment before a chat with a family member, one should never drive down the street if they could walk and a person should never stop "caring about having close relationships," no matter how good their "television set" may be.
Okay, if you managed to get through that waffle, I hope it made sense and was worthwhile. I really like that quote and feel strongly about it.
Oh! This idea was especially present in a debate I did at school in grade 8. The topic was "that technology is the way forward." My team were negative and we won the debate. I can't really remember the teamline, but our arguments emphasised the fact that materialism should not be put before family, friends etc. Um, yeah, good luck with your studies, sounds like an interesting concept!!
Your help is appreciated.
