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The concept of the "selfie" epitomizes the narcissistic aspect of the tech times we live in. "
hi Laurie - since you asked, here are my two pennies:That's the title of an article in today's New York Times -- http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/28/f...-for-the-moment-or-record-it.html?ref=fashion
I'm not trying to stir up the debate about whether to bring technology on the camino. That train has already left the station for me. Since I bought an iphone a few years ago, it has become an essential part of my camino kit. I'm never going to walk another one without it. I want to stay in touch with my very elderly parents and I skype easily from all sorts of tiny towns; I love seeing the grandkids I am missing; moreover, I walk very isolated caminos and I like to have the security of knowing I could get help when I'm all alone.
The issue of how to use the technology is a much tougher question for me. This article makes me think about all those times when I've taken a picture of some "special something" only to see later when I looked at it that I also captured the image of lots of other people holding up their phones and cameras to take the same shot.
I did walk part of the LePuy route, roughly from Moissac to St. Jean, I think, without a camera, and I have often wished I could go back and see some pictures of that part of the chemin. Not just any pictures, but my pictures. I take tons and tons of pictures of romanesque capitals along any camino where I happen to find it. Why? Not sure, but I do know that I occasionally do enjoy going back and looking at them.
Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing how others have resolved this issue. I know that moderation can be the key to a lot of things, so maybe that's the obvious answer. Buen camino, Laurie
Yes, I didn't think of that...but then, neither did you.....also possibly solipsistic.........
You are right. It would be stupid, not to use the benefits of modern technology to make this journey save. - but sometimes I think: Respect to all the pilgrims hundres of years ago! They made it without the backup of technical help. If everything in life could be as easy as following yellow arrows and ipads advice...I don´t walk offline anymore.
Being online has so many pros.
The guide books, maps and other books are on my iPad mini so no need to carry any books anymore.
When lost it feels safe to be a little dot on a map (my iphone has GPS).
Airline tickets are secure in an app.
Booking bus, train, hotels easy...
Technology is not a new concept...just new at the time.You are right. It would be stupid, not to use the benefits of modern technology to make this journey save. - but sometimes I think: Respect to all the pilgrims hundres of years ago! They made it without the backup of technical help. If everything in life could be as easy as following yellow arrows and ipads advice...
I am not technophobic. I enjoy greeting people as they pass, I like to have honest interactions, face-to-face, with pilgrims on the trail. I especially love to see pilgrims enjoying the birdsong and church bell accompaniment available out there, as well as the traffic noise and chatter and racket that add up to a full camino experience.
Unfortunately, in the past few years, a huge number of pilgrims who pass are "plugged in" to a device and do not say hello when we do, they do not interact much with us at all. They appear to be in their own little world. They traveled many miles to walk this trail, but they are someplace other than where we all are. What is it in their machine that is so much more appealing than Here and Now?
I kinda miss the friendly, switched-on, fully-aware pilgrims.
For me, the proliferation of technology and social media is more a scourge than a social benefit that is hurting, not improving real, healthy social relations. The concept of the "selfie" epitomizes the narcissistic aspect of the tech times we live in.
I'm old enough to remember life without the Internet or mobile technology, and folks, believe it or not, we got by just fine back then.
There is emerging data to suggest alienation and loneliness are increasing traits of urban life. People talk less to their neighbours, there’s an increasing lack of trust. How ironic in a tech-driven world that has supposedly brought us closer together that ever before. But I digress....
There is nothing wrong with phones: I carry an iphone with me but only for emergency and sporadic contact with loved ones back home, to let them know I'm fine and where I am. I think the discussion here more goes about people who need to be online all the time (obsession), and are missing out on being in the here and now.
I used to be a keen photographer. However, some years ago I realized that I was occasionally seeing the world around me through a kind of filter – i.e.: is this a situation/an occasion/a landscape where to take a photo or not?
So I kind of put the camera away, let go of my constant analysis of whether this was a photo opportunity or not - and to just stay in and fully absorb any enjoyable moment – and be there in the moment - unfiltered.
Therefore, I chose not to take my camera onto the camino. I did carry an old-fashioned mobile though in order to be able to contact family back home.
annelise
I, too, realise the huge inner, mental change in leaving the camera behind.
However, for my next camino, at least, I will take it.
Meanwhile I enjoy very much the different experience of being fully present whenever photography is banned, such as during church services or visiting caves.
Strange thing, I was reading this thread when this commercial came on the television.
We noticed such a disconnect with pilgrims this past spring.
I take a smartphone with an international plan wherever I go because I am relaxed knowing certain family members can reach me anytime . I use the camera to capture images for one reason only - I will at some point forget. In my mother's last years, I was able to bring out photos to show her - they triggered other memories for her and it made her happy. I don't expect to retain my full memory capabilities later in life. This is why I do it (moderately).That's the title of an article in today's New York Times -- http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/28/f...-for-the-moment-or-record-it.html?ref=fashion
I'm not trying to stir up the debate about whether to bring technology on the camino. That train has already left the station for me. Since I bought an iphone a few years ago, it has become an essential part of my camino kit. I'm never going to walk another one without it. I want to stay in touch with my very elderly parents and I skype easily from all sorts of tiny towns; I love seeing the grandkids I am missing; moreover, I walk very isolated caminos and I like to have the security of knowing I could get help when I'm all alone.
The issue of how to use the technology is a much tougher question for me. This article makes me think about all those times when I've taken a picture of some "special something" only to see later when I looked at it that I also captured the image of lots of other people holding up their phones and cameras to take the same shot.
I did walk part of the LePuy route, roughly from Moissac to St. Jean, I think, without a camera, and I have often wished I could go back and see some pictures of that part of the chemin. Not just any pictures, but my pictures. I take tons and tons of pictures of romanesque capitals along any camino where I happen to find it. Why? Not sure, but I do know that I occasionally do enjoy going back and looking at them.
Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing how others have resolved this issue. I know that moderation can be the key to a lot of things, so maybe that's the obvious answer. Buen camino, Laurie
A very reasoned statement!rely on my own self control
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