Finding balance
So many of the articles that we read about technology focus on how children play video games instead of hide-and-seek in the yard, e-cards that have quickly replaced real ones, e-mails instead of real letters and how technology dictates the way we communicate and even live.Although technology has resulted in the creation of life-saving devices and allowed us to explore places we'd otherwise not have access to, it has also changed the way we communicate, play and live, and for some the change has not been a positive one.Life is all about balance and we all recognise that over indulgence never results in a happy ending. Let them play video games but ensure they spend a certain amount of time getting fresh air, send e-cards but take the time to create or buy a card for the really special occasions. In other words — balance .It's interesting how things have come full circle, just as we are about to become totally immersed in technology, that same driving force acts a medium for change in the other direction.Awhile back I wrote an article about Pinterest, its sudden popularity and the benefits of sharing ideas in large forums. It seems many of us, myself included, use Pinterest to locate new and exciting craft ideas and as a result a whole new generation of crafters have emerged.A weakened economy paired with access to millions of easy-to-create crafts has made the concept of homemade treasures attractive to the masses once again.Even today's kids find the concept of crafting exciting. Friendship bracelets are back and better than ever, featuring intricate designs and some even incorporating other design elements such as beads. Technology has managed to pull the game controller out of their hands and replace it with thread, challenging their creative talents and allowing them to produce a tangible representation of their ideas.Recycled goods are being used to create works of art, and all due in part to the access we have as a result of technology.As much as I love technology and the exciting products and applications it has borne, I am equally happy to see some sense of balance being restored.As promised, we have a TechBuzz Challenge for you that relates to last week's article. The first three participants to e-mail us the name of the programme we mentioned last week and its use, will win a prize. First come, first served with this one. Send responses to TechBuzz@btc.bm.