I recently learned that my cousin, who lives in Indianapolis, gets her groceries delivered. For some reason I think that’s strange – I can’t imagine having someone else picking out my produce, bread and choosing my cuts of meat. I’m sure it’s convenient, however, I just really can’t get on board. Maybe because it’s not offered here – yet.

While, I too have fallen prey to the convenience factor of technology and the added benefit of online shopping, food ordering and even streaming movies I feel like I have lost a sense of community and I’m working on getting it back. I haven’t been to a video store in years and in all reality I prefer going to redbox, adding movies to my netflix queue or seeing what tv/movies are available on hulu.  I have fond memories of walking around a video store and choosing movies based on recommendations of staff and friends. Now I find myself standing in line at one of the local redbox kiosks or scrolling thru a list on my computer screen to get my movie fix.

Acquiring reading materials has also been changed by  newer technology. Over 3 million Kindles have been sold and other e-readers have sprung up on the market to compete with the ever growing sales. While it might be more convenient to download a book directly from the internet (as was mentioned last month in the submitted opinion technology piece), this convenience once again outweighs the local shopping aspect. Shopping for books is a personal experience and it’s often best shared with those who know your buying habits and those you can help you choose your next book. Viewpoint Books on Washington has been a favorite of mine for years – my parents took me there when I was child and later on as an adult I continue to buy my books there. Terry and staff know what I like to read and are helpful in future selections not only for myself but also when I buy books as gifts. While downloading a book is convenient – getting personal attention and recommendations more often than not outweigh the convenience factor of an instant purchase.

Insurance is something else that has been stripped away to e-mail addresses and 1-800 numbers. Maybe it’s a cost thing or once again the convenience factor of ordering or changing a policy at midnight. However, when I had a car accident last summer Geico didn’t come running or even pick up the phone – all contact was done was completed via e-mail. I would like to think a local agent would’ve at least called.

With ever changing technology becoming a more constant factor in our lives we seem to be losing our human connection. Last week I went out to dinner with a friend and noticed a couple eating dinner beside us. They spoke only a few words to each and what they did say revolved the screen on their communication device. The tech they purchased to assist in their daily communication was impeding something that should have come easy – dinner conversation.

While it might be easier to get our movies from netflix or have a book sent to our reading device we are all missing out on what makes us human – meaningful interactions with other people.

Addison Overfelt, editor