Can You Get Too Much Tech?

There have been many arguments over the years about those who spend a fair amount of time “with” technology, for lack of a better term. I’m sure we’ve all heard from our mothers at some point or another that video games “rot your brain.” Then, of course, there is the rebuttal that video games improve hand-eye coordination as well as problem solving skills. Some argue that we rely too heavily on technology, while others view technology simply as another of man’s tools that should be used to it’s fullest extent. These arguments go back an forth, and sometimes even get so extreme as to claim that certain video games are “murder simulators.” If you keep up with Penny-Arcade you might recognize that term as one coined by the infamous Jack Thompson.

We now live in world where global communication of an idea is only a few keystrokes away. Our military and law enforcement are utilizing technology for virtual training as well as enhanced protection in hostile situations. Instant communication via cell phones and text messaging has come to be expected in many of the world’s societies. At any rate, these are just a couple examples, and the topic certainly extends far beyond that of video games and gadgets.

So, I pose the question: Can one person get too much tech?  If so, when and where is the line drawn?  If not, how do you feel about being looked down upon as one of those who live a more “tech” lifestyle? In the case of video games, can we chalk up the recent negativity as a response to our generation’s “rock and roll?” 

Personally, I finished a six day coding binge this morning, and later tried to unlock my bike lock with the key-less entry to my car (and I’ll admit that I was frustrated for a split second before I realized what I was trying to do). Too much tech, or just episodic-idiocy? I vote for the latter.