The Soothing, Smothering Warmth of Social Media

The Positives

Social media definitely has its upsides, right? I mean, it's like this magical portal where I can connect with people who totally understand me and see a wild mix of opinions that I might never encounter in my everyday life. Seriously, I can soak up so much knowledge just by typing away at my keyboard, and it’s pretty awesome! Plus, there’s something so satisfying about expressing myself and getting creative with what I share. And let’s not overlook the practical side of things—like being able to check my bank account online without having to go to the bank. That’s a total win!

Back in the Day

But then, I can’t help but reminisce about the days before the internet and smartphones took over our lives. Back then, I wasn't exactly a social butterfly, but life had a way of nudging me into social situations, even if I was a bit of a wallflower. At least those interactions were face-to-face, which had its own benefits!

Sometimes, being online feels like wrapping myself in this cozy, heavy blanket that shields me from everything outside. But then, I think back to my childhood. Sure, it had its challenges, but my parents were always encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I vividly remember when I was 10 and finally learned how to ride my bike.

Once I got the hang of it, it was like a whole new world opened up for me! I loved the feeling of freedom as I pedaled away, exploring the neighborhood for hours on end.

As I've grown older and the internet has become such a huge part of our lives, I’ve noticed that I’ve become more closed off and protective of my own space. It’s like I’ve lost that adventurous spirit, and I don’t feel like I have the same freedom or guts to really put myself out there and take on the world. At 64, I’m definitely not the carefree child I once was, and I find myself missing that version of me more than I’d like to admit.

Concerns About Social Media and Kids

So, here's the deal: I don't have kids, and honestly, I don’t plan on having any in the future. So, you might think I wouldn't really care about this whole parenting debate. But, I can't help but worry about what social media and all this tech stuff are doing to kids' brains as they're growing up.

Tech vs. Imagination

Back in the day, we had our good old sticks and stones, and Tinker Toys that really made us think outside the box and use our imaginations. We had to get creative! Now, it seems like kids are glued to screens, whether it’s scrolling through social media or playing games on iPads. Sure, some of those games can be fun and educational, but I wonder if they’re missing out on that good old-fashioned imaginative play.

Tech Giants' Choices

It's pretty interesting to note that even the big shots like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were super cautious about letting their youngest kids dive into technology too early. They knew something we might not fully grasp yet. It makes you think—if they were worried about the impact of tech on their own kids, maybe we should all take a step back and consider what’s happening with today’s youth. At the end of the day, I just hope we find a balance where kids can enjoy the benefits of technology without losing touch with the creativity and social skills that come from more traditional play.

Hey parents of kids with a DCC, I’m not saying you should keep your kids away from these tools, but maybe think of them as something extra to add to creative play and exploration. I totally get how tempting it is to hand over a tablet so your little one can dive into games while you get a breather. But don’t forget about the value of creative playtime! And I know DCCs are on a spectrum, so for some kids who might be considered 'lower functioning' (a term I really don’t like and will talk about more later), a tablet could actually be a good fit.

Personally, I mourn for the days of pre-technology, as much as social media has given us so many things, I feel inside the loss of something I once was.