The slogan also stimulated telephone subscribers to make more long-distance calls. Today with cellphones, iPhones, BlackBerries, text messaging and Web sites like YouTube and Facebook on which you may input your minute-by-minute activities for friends to follow, it would seem that people should be more "in touch" than ever before.
But "in touch" does not necessarily mean that we are truly communicating. In fact, the latest wrinkle in the ever-developing new frontier of available products is Skydial, which is designed to bypass the traditional calling system, allowing you to leave a message for someone without fear of being connected to them first.
It is already popular with people who want to end a relationship without long explanations or those calling in sick to the office who wish to skip going into further details. While this may be an easy way out, I feel sure Emily Post would turn over in her grave at the very thought of ending a romantic relationship in such an unfeeling manner. However, I can think of a few situations in which Skydial might be very useful.
1. "Hi, Honey. I just totaled the car and am staying with friends until you calm down, and it is safe to return home."
2. "Hi, dear. I am running away to Paris with the gardener and just want to remind you to pick up the children after school."
3. "Hello ... just wanted to let you know I've emptied the joint checking account to take an around-the-world cruise. See you in 90 days."
I'm sure you can think of several of your own scenarios. There are also devices which encourage us to be duplicitous. You can arrange for an automated call to interrupt you at as pre-determined time so you have an excuse to make a quick exit. Or you can arrange for background sounds so the recipient of your call will be fooled about where you are.
Skydial and text messaging are both methods that avoid the usual, important give and take of real-life conversations. When we deal in sound bites and quickie messages, we no longer have in-depth discussions, nor do we see and hear others' emotions and responses. We may also become oblivious to our surroundings and unable to allow our minds the freedom to enjoy the fine art of daydreaming as we are constantly occupied in sending or receiving information on one device or another.
The co-founder of Mobile Sphere, the parent company of Skydial, says that it is a time-saver in a world in which conversations can waste time. But isn't conversing the way we build relationships? And when all is said and done, aren't our relationships with others the most valuable and enduring things we possess in this very transitory life?
Jean Cherni
is founder of Senior Living Solutions, a retirement advisory
service. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or
15 The Ponds, Branford 06405.
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