A new study by the Barna Group shows that Americans are
tethered to their tablets, cell phones and laptops like never before. This
reality has changed the way Americans view relationships, faith and work.

The study, released March 11, shows that we experience life
through a digital lens, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. Here are a
few top findings from the study applied to my own relationship to technology:

  1. More than one-third of adults (36 percent) stop
    whatever they’re doing to check their devices when they get a new text or
    message. (Guilty. In spades!)
  2. Nearly the same number (35 percent) admits their
    personal electronics sometimes separate them from other people. (My husband
    resents the time I spend “talking” to people on the phone. “Put that phone
    down,” he says, “and pay attention to me.” Again, guilty.)
  3. Only 21 percent of Americans say they set time
    aside each day to connect with God. (Not guilty. Jesus is the center of my
    life, and I take time each day to pray, read sacred writings and meditate.)
  4. Although
    Americans have their share of tablets and phones, 47 percent in the study say
    it’s made them more productive, while 53 percent believe their devices have
    made them more distracted. (Not guilty. Since I’m not a techie—just ask our tech
    support people! So I’m not usually sidetracked by too much technology.)
  5. Less than half of Americans surveyed (42
    percent) feel satisfied with their work/life balance. Even fewer are happy with
    their relationship boundaries (38 percent), their levels of overall stress (28
    percent) and their practice of rest (39 percent). (Not guilty. Because Jesus is
    the center of my life, all of my priorities stem from him and move outward.)

Widespread digitalization is part of our society and is here
to stay. It’s up to us to use technology as an aid—not a substitute for—relationships
with people and with God.

That takes time and effort. If you think dashing off a quick
email or text is true communication, think again. You may be a lot less
connected than you think.

For more information, go to www.barna.org.