Today on the subway I witnessed what I think may be a new phase in teen dating: talking & flirting while keeping one ear plugged with your Ipod earphone.
A cute girl & guy - maybe about 15 or 16 - were sitting next to each other on the train. She was smiling and he was trying a little too hard to be funny. They both had their Ipods on; the ears closest to each other where open (willing to listen and engage) but the ears on the outside were filled with music (as if they were willing to listen and engage only to a point, but not fully since that might involve real intimacy - even if just for a moment).
It seems that technology gives teens a sense of safety. We can talk, but only if I have my Ipod on at the same time. We can poke each other, and even superpoke each other, send gifts, play games, plant gardens together, and send each other good karma or hugs... but only from the comfort of our own laptops - never face to face. That's way too personal!
But what are real relationships if not personal? And if it's not personal, is it a relationship at all?
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