Sep 18 2009
The Fleeting of Human Interaction
I talk about this a lot in real life. I always get sad when I see the automated check-outs in supermarkets/stores show up, or the APC automated package sending system at the post office so you don’t have to talk with/get to know your postal workers or supermarket clerks, or the Chipotle iPhone app so you don’t have to interact with people to order your food, or the death of the arcades so we can stop meeting new friends there and instead all escape and play video games in our own sheltered homes with either nobody or the friends we already know. There’s so much technology out there trying to eliminate interaction with other people. It’s quite saddening to me.
In my life I’ve had a nice friendship with a postal clerk, met a cool friend or two at the arcade, enjoyed pleasant relationships with my supermarket clerks, and I tell ya, I’ve had some absolutely wonderful and stimulating conversations with strangers in line at the post office. I’ve even gotten a call or two from friends to report a date/great sexual encounter with someone they’d met in line at the post office just a couple days prior. Surely all kinds of great friendships, relationships, and families have started there. The APC is ruining people’s lives. All this automated/do-it-at-home stuff is, and I don’t think most people even realize it. Oh my god, don’t get me started on online classes. Do you know how many people meet their significant other in a college class!? Which college class was your significant other in? Hopefully not the one that you took online instead. *sigh* Why are so many so intent on creating ways to avoid other people? Has society become so misanthropic? I guess a lot of it is that damn capitalism. Eliminate a job, save a buck, who cares about the fabric of society, look at this: $$$!
Anyway, I was agreeing whole-heartedly with Jackson Lee, a North Carolina man who told his story of starting his own record store/bike repair shop, when I was listening to one of my favorite shows, The Story, on public radio tonight. I clipped the part:
September 18th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I totally agree. The automated checker at the grocery store doesn’t allow me to use reusable bags, either! Piece of junk. I think technology can bring people together in many great ways, however. I met many people online that I never would have otherwise. But, I think normal everyday things should involve human interaction.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I have the Chipotle Iphone app and its great! I used it while i was in line at Chipotle and i jumped the line 30 people, paid, got to eat and relaxed on my lunch. I do agree with Emily on the piece of junk automated checkers at the Supermarket, Home depot and other locations.
Maybe next time you can call me Luke and tell me all about your thoughts instead of posting them on the blog = )