Click Here for Happiness

Considering the equation time=money, one would assume that in order to increase money, time must be savored. There are many ways people tackle this proposition, most centered around the need to maximize efficiency.  Upon the turning of the century, it has become clear, that the way many people choose to maximize efficiency, is through relying on technology. Like any large societal change, this reliance on technology, although seemingly harmless, has profound effects.

Many people, especially those who have grown up in the technological era, do not notice the effects of technology until consequences arise: the consequence highlighted in this eye-opening video is isolation, leading to a unique sense of loneliness.

The act of being everywhere at once, with anyone and everyone, seems like it would do nothing but open doors. Unfortunately, this is not seen to be the case. Yes, there may be doorways, but these doors are becoming locked. Sherry Turkle considers: “Think of it as ‘I share, therefore I am.’ We use technology to define ourselves by sharing our thoughts and feelings as we’re having them. We used to think, ‘I have a feeling; I want to make a call.’ Now our impulse is, ‘I want to have a feeling; I need to send a text’” (Turkle, Sherry). This is a drastic and impactful change.

For this reason, I question: does technology ‘live’ for us, or are we beginning to live for technology? Does technology aid in our happiness, or does our happiness depend upon technology?

Time=money. Time=money does NOT equal happiness. Professor Yamir-Hamburger reminds us to be conscious, to continue to be aware of what it is we really need. With this in mind, I pose the challenge: “Click here for Happiness”, and then click out.

Turkle, Sherry. "The Flight From Conversation." The New York Times. The New York Times, 21 Apr. 2012. Web. 23 June 2015.