Technology: are you in control?  

or have smart devices taken over your life?

You absolutely love your gadgets. Don't even try to deny it. We use our "smart" devices every day, and they have come to play a key role in our lives. Is this really a good thing though? Is it really smart to rely so heavily on these somewhat fragile devices? Let's address this issue by taking a quick test. I will give you a scenario and you pick the answer that corresponds to how you would react.  

Scenario #1: You accidental drop your precious Apple/Android smart phone and the screen gets an ugly crack running down the middle.

Your response: 

A. Pick up the phone and put it in your pocket/purse - not disturbed

B. Hold back a few choice words as you pick it up and try to ascertain the extent of the damage - moderately disturbed

C. You go into a full blown panic. You start dry heaving and you can't fight the knot in your stomach - greatly disturbed

Scenario #2: While eating and watching TV on the couch, you see your 4-year-old pick up your iPad/tablet with peanut butter and jelly covered fingers.

Your response:

 A. Smile and comment on how smart your kid is - not disturbed

B. Calmly raise your voice and demand that they give it back - moderately disturbed

C. Jumping up, you hysterically run towards your child. You immediately snatch the beloved device from those destructively curious hands and threaten them with severe punishment if they EVER try to commandeer the device again - greatly disturbed 

Scenario #3: It happens; you accidental leave one of your favorite gadgets in a public place. And unfortunately, as you are walking up to where you left it, you see a shady character picking it up and walking away...

Your Response: 

A. Walk calmly towards the lost and found, thinking that they are probably headed there as well - not disturbed 

B. Start pursuing the would be thief, calling for them to stop - moderately disturbed

C. Immediately, you grab a security guard, wildly dragging him behind you, you sprint towards the unpatriotic potential terrorist candidate. The whole time screaming out bloody murder and demanding that justice be done. - greatly disturbed 

The take away is this, If you have all C's, then you might want to seriously consider taking a step back, and determine whether you are in control of technology, or if you are being controlled by technology.  Keep in mind that the purpose of technology is to make your life easier, not to make it harder or more complicated. And if you realize that you are being controlled by technology, then you have already taken the first step towards getting back in control.