Where previously our gaze may have been out the window or across the alley or at a newspaper or book or scroll, it is now fixed upon a screen. Not all of the time, of course, but very frequently. I hope this turns out to be a good thing.

Television has been a gateway to our new path. It entranced us.

Early television

Then along came communication satellites….

…which opened the door for cable TV.

In the year I was born, few citizens could have envisioned computers, the web, smartphones or twitter. But those born during the past 30 years could not imagine life without these little screens.

Youth enjoying the company of others.

Imagination has changed. The pathway to personal identity has changed. The way we interact with life has changed. The use of the word “friend” has changed.

I hope this is a good thing, don’t you?

Even though you can’t see my face, what’s happening on Facebook?

A small screen out-seduces the Grand Canyon

The nature of screens will change.

What now requires a screen may one day require no screen, but this ever expanding connection to all humans, all information, is irreversible.

The author seeks balance by staring at a tree.

In the third grade I combed my hair like Elvis. Is it still my duty to keep up? Do I have a societal obligation, as well as a personal one, to remain current?

It can be a lot of work but I think that the answer is yes.

Now let’s go out there and provoke each other.