Dr. Gregory Jantz
By Suzanne O'Keeffe -700 Club Interactive
CBN.com –HOOKED
Hook by definition can be described in many words but for the purpose of Dr. Gregory Jantz's book it would read as, "a thing that grabs you, traps you, sticks to you, or simply fascinates you." It grabs your attention and keeps it there. Dr. Jantz uses this word to describe and explicate just what technology has done to the average human mind today. He shares the good and the not so good of phones, Twitter, Facebook, and on and on the list goes. All these are to grab your attention, get you addicted to the newest upgrade or piece of technology making you think that you cannot live without them. Technology has shortened our ability to long term focus as we expect connections to be quicker, clearer, and more information at the touch of a pad. Repeatedly he writes," If you're not careful, what you start out controlling has a way of controlling you." As Dr Jantz examines the pitfalls of our minds being torn in so many directions, he confesses that he has his Smartphone with him all the time, he is on his computer many hours of the day, and he has a Kindle and an iPad as well. Being an addiction specialist he has recognized the vulnerability in the very real problem of addiction to technology.
VIRTUAL VS REALITY
In the virtual world there are no boundaries, no lines drawn to keep you safe, but just wide open spaces to explore. Virtual reality gives the appearance to the actual thing pursued, but its appearance only, at least at this moment in time. It seems the space between what is tangible and what is virtual is becoming smaller and smaller. The desire to escape the stress and difficult relationships or dealings in life leads people to dive into "a world of virtuality." Escaping means you don't have to deal in real life relationships. The freedom to express whatever you want, whenever you want, and however you want and allowing the real you to be hidden is not only deceptive to others but also to yourself. What may start as a diversion becomes your reality and begins to steal time from actual relationships, verbal conversations, and life. Dr. Jantz shared in a recent interview that while sitting at his own family dinner table, his two sons were sitting across the table from each other and sending texts-to each other! Of teens that use their phones, 88% of them do not use them for talking, but sending texts. Parents call to speak with their teens but they don't answer the call, they respond with a text. Polls reveal more than half the teens who text, send more than fifty messages a day. It's not just the cell phone that takes away the hours; the internet, T.V., movies, iPods, and games all capture our concentration, and some of them at the same time.
ADDICTION AND DETOX
It has been shown that in the 5-6 years old group, their brain chemistry can be altered by over-stimulating and creating addictive behavior. That leads to the topic of technology with multitasking, suggesting that it creates in young adults ADD/ADHD, and the lack of real social skills. Dr. Jantz suggests we become intentional, put down the device, and giving full attention to the one we are with. Boundaries are a safety net that keeps us healthy and with the abundance of technology, without them we easily become addicted to our devices. There are 500 million Facebook users which is 1 out of every 13 people alive today. In the age group of 18-34 year olds, 48% of them check Facebook immediately upon rising. Statistics reveal the following: 57% of people converse online more than they do verbally; 71.2% people in the U.S. are on Facebook; every 20 minutes 1 million links are shared; 1.8 million have status updates and the list goes on. It is reported that as individuals have tried to put away their devices and disconnect, there have actually been reports of sweaty palms and anxiousness. Dr. Jantz says not only do you have to reduce and remove the technology, but fill the void with time spent with family and relationships.
"GOD CHAPTER"
Dr. Jantz takes the final chapter of his book to introduce faith in God and applying the wisdom and understanding of the Bible to bring balance to your life with technology. Quoting Hebrews 4:13 "Everything we do and say is "uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" Dr. Jantz writes, "Simply put, we are accountable." So, he suggests counting the cost and think long and hard before you dive off into the newest technology. Consider what will be the long term results in your life and in the lives of those around you. In closing he challenges the reader to make a vow to the Lord pledging surrendering the use of technology and having no other gods before us. By the way, he can be found on Facebook, Twitter and several websites!