# Answering Machines By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-06-29 A long time ago, before cell phones, many people had answering machines. These devices were connected to home phones, allowing people who called when one was away to leave a message. When one returned home, a blinking light would indicate a message. One could listen to the message and return the call. The beauty of the machine was that people went out and lived their lives. When they returned from doing what they were doing, they would respond to whatever “important” happened. Today, many people have their cell phones with them nearly all the time. When they get a text or call, they stop what they are doing and respond. Smartphones are amazing. They are powerful tools. Like any amazing and powerful tool, they are dangerous. They can shape and constrain the way one lives life. We are becoming increasingly distracted with decreasing attention spans. This can’t be beneficial. The response isn’t to abandon technology. The response is much more difficult. We must develop discipline in how we use it. Just because we can be reached all the time doesn’t mean we should allow ourselves to be reached all the time. Use technology on one’s terms and not on the terms of others. Turn off the phone if one is engaged in something unique, meaningful, or enriching. Don’t allow it to intrude. The answering machine taught us that people will leave a message. Even more old school, they will call back. Take time to focus on real things of interest. The smartphone isn’t it. Then, if one becomes bored with life, look at the phone and see what distractions can be found. #### Related Items [[Technology]] [[Distractions]] [[Tools]] [[Smartphones]] [[Life]]