Page 76 - WhoAreWe...

chasing a superficial pleasure that cannot be used to effect
anything constructive or help with spiritual growth.

Technology - The Difference Between You Using it and
it Using You

I have used technology all of my life. I started using and
building computers back in 1984, and have been using
them extensively ever since. Technology, like computers
and smart phones and the like can be wonderful tools for
you use to do constructive things, create art, and any
manner of. And if they are tools, they must be used
responsibly and under complete control of the user.
Unfortunately there are plenty of people out there that will
gleefully use technology to exploit human frailty, and
personally gain from the weakness of others. This is when
technology starts using the user.

Any time you use these technologies you must ask yourself
if it is for an honest, constructive reason, or am I just
wasting time chasing superficial, possibly harmful
pleasures? Surely it is fine to seek some temporary reprieve
from the stresses of life (like any other responsibly used
stimulant) and have a little fun. But, you must be aware and
mindful of the previously discussed concept of balance.
When it is applied, it will reveal when you have crossed
over from innocent fun to possible harm. Something as
simple as the time you are spending on social media
compared to other things in life can indicate the imbalance
and warn when too much is too much.

Young people, for the most part, are still learning so much
and often unable to make these sorts of determinations,
even if they wanted to. So it is up to the responsible adult to
observe and educate the young people and guide them
away from the pitfalls of imbalance. If you do, do not just

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