Digital Challenges

Computer at work, smartphone at the table and then the notebook in bed. Most of us already know that this is not healthy. We would do well to replace our digitality with more analogy being digitally mindful.

Example:

Happened recently at breakfast - I would like to talk to my partner about our argument yesterday. But he's so engrossed in his cell phone that he doesn't allow himself to be distracted. What can I do there?

I should probably ask, "When are you free to talk?" Because an immediate exchange of ideas seems unrealistic.

For many, the mobile phone serves as an emotional and sometimes physical demarcation. Many delve into it when they are overwhelmed with something (seems like an escape behavior!) or just want to be alone. They usually do not want to express their social rejection of their partner with this.

Would a debate on this be appropriate?

How about writing a love letter or a card again? Just like in the old days!

Does it help if we talk about our social media use and our Netflix consumption? That would help with the relationships that can still talk to each other. Every couple should explore their digital habits as part of being together.

Also important: Not everything digital is negative per se!

You often hear, "I called him ten times and he pushed me away every time." Sometimes it is difficult - for example at work in a meeting - to answer calls. Such life situations may need to be addressed.

Exit to the restaurant: If the other person keeps looking at their cell phone, then that is an alarm signal. A date should not be with the cell phone, but with people. Such a decision could be that you keep your cell phone in your pocket in the restaurant or at other meetings.

If the mobile phone is still on the table, screen up, then this could be addressed. We humans have a right to our partner's undivided attention.

QUESTION: What does it mean if she picks up her cell phone as soon as I leave for the toilet?

It looks like she's conditioned, properly trained, to experience on her cell phone:

• Did something important happen?

• Have I already received an answer?

• Did someone send me something nice or exciting?

It's a mixture of fear of neglect and curiosity!

You don't need a camera. It's very easy with a cell phone. It is about using the advantages and recognizing and avoiding disadvantages.

How can I improve my relationship suffering from this distress?

You can decide on a few rules and topics together:

1. No cell phone in the bedroom and at the table

2. When and what exactly bothers the mobile phone?

3. What do we do with the extended quality time? Fight? Hopefully not!!!

4. Ask yourself: Why do I surf so often? Am I missing something? What am I looking for?

Digital Mindfulness

The goal is that people observe each other when using their cell phones and deal with them sensibly. It should not lead to escape behavior. It is wise to be careful with digital tools, cell phones and TV. When we see others with their cell phones open, it gives us an additional incentive to do the same.

Here are a few interesting facts on the subject:

• In Switzerland, we spend on average almost two hours alone on social media.

• Just before we open a message, we feel a mostly pleasant excitement.

• Studies show that the mere presence of the mobile phone reduces the ability to concentrate by more than 30% !!! ATTENTION for our CHILDREN!!!

• Some find they are more addicted than they want to be.

• Online - exclusion hurts, hurts like a physical injury!

• Motivators for a strong online presence can be:

  • boredom

  • fear of rejection

  • Insecurity about yourself and others

  • feelings of inferiority

  • anxiety, stress

  • Escape from confrontation with the unpleasant

I wish you a lot of willpower and perseverance to meet this challenge in your favour.

There's nothing better than your own family!! Let us not be distracted by anything, but invest ourselves with everything we have in this institution - our family!

Human Dignity – Really?

Human dignity is the fundamental principle of the German constitution. Article 1, paragraph 1 reads: "Human dignity is inviolable. To respect and protect it is the duty of all state authority." Human dignity is thus mentioned even before the right to life. It does not need to be earned, and although it is an inherent part of every person FROM BIRTH, it is a right that is often badly abused.

The dignity of man is not an attribute like beauty or generosity. The term itself is based on the idea that the very existence of a person makes him or her valuable.

In spite of that, human dignity is difficult to comprehend and is used in many completely contrary contexts. In the debate about euthanasia, we speak of a humane or dignified death. Stem cell research on embryos can be seen as a right of or an attack on human dignity, depending on one’s point of view.

One German news agency reported a prison that was being run under inhumane conditions because several inmates had to share a cell without separate bathroom facilities. And of course everyone knows the saying, “That is beneath me (beneath my dignity?).”    

Example:

She asked him: “How much do the eggs cost?"
The old man answered, "Twenty-five cents apiece, Ma’am."
She said, "I’ll take six for one dollar, otherwise I won’t buy any!"
He replied, "Okay, you can have them. Maybe this will help get me going today. I haven’t sold anything yet."

She took the eggs and walked away with great satisfaction. She had won. She got into her elegant car and drove to a fancy restaurant where she and a girlfriend ordered everything they wanted, ate a little of it and left the rest on their plates. When she paid the $45 bill, she gave the owner $50 and told him to keep the change.                                                                                                                                                        Story by Rik Jason

This was a normal occurrence in the eyes of the owner, but compared to the previous situation with the egg salesman, doesn’t it seem a bit ridiculous?

Questions

• What causes these differing reactions?

• Why do we tend to wield our power and authority when dealing with have-nots?

• Why are we generous with people who don’t need our generosity?

In both cases we see a demonstration of power. In the restaurant, she said in essence, “I have the power to pay you more than your product is worth. I’m a winner. Her statement to the beggar was, "I have the power to give you less than you want, but you will still be grateful to me."

 Dignity in the Past

Dignity was spoken of in antiquity.

1. Leaders in society were referred to as dignitaries, and they were recognized as such by their clothing and other symbols of power.

2. On the other hand, human dignity was recognized in the ancient world as something that all humans had in common and that distinguished them from animals. The reasons given for this were the power of human reasoning and the image of God in man.  

Human beings have free will. We can decide how to behave. The decisions we make are governed by our morals and ethics.

In the mid-1800s, humane working and living conditions became political buzzwords. The discovery of the degrading actions followed during the Nazi regime in Germany were a big influence on the development of its Constitution after 1945, making the dignity of man central to its value system. It is also a key value in all other German national and international statements and declarations.    

Human Dignity and Human Rights

Human dignity implies a certain truth from which other basic human rights are derived. These include prohibitions against discrimination, freedom rights (like freedom of opinion and speech), property rights, protection rights (like protection from torture and the right to a just trial), as well as for social human rights, like the right to free time and education, as well as health care, shelter and work. The last few lay a foundation for a humane existence. This also includes

But can a job be reconciled with the ideal of human dignity when it is so poorly paid that people cannot live in a humane way without supplemental government support? Are the old and sick treated humanely when the homes they live in are so sparsely manned with personnel that there is almost no time to give individuals the attention and care they need? What do refugee accommodations and care look like? Some voices express a felt disadvantage as compared with refugees. Really? 

Our performance as humans in the last few centuries has been unimaginably inhumane! When we consider the number of human lives that were lost due to the insanity of war, we are left completely speechless. Dear Reader, it seems we have a huge problem. Wouldn’t you agree?

Terrorism and Human Dignity

Terrorism is endangering the rights and dignity of man on a worldwide scale. Democratic societies with their human rights for individuals are a favorite target for terrorists.  Rights of liberty have been greatly curtailed in the wake of anti-terrorism strategies. One example of that is the relaxation of data protection policies, such as the saving of digital data over a certain time period or the possibility to peek into another computer without the owner’s consent or knowledge.   

When terrorists are arrested, it is often difficult to treat them humanely. They themselves generally act in a way that defies the dignity of man and are willing to go to any length to reach their goals. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 cost the lives of more than 2000 individuals. Many of the actual perpetrators thereof are still walking around in complete freedom, but even they have a right to humane treatment because they are human beings. It is an inviolable right.

Theological View

In early Judaism and Christianity, the act of the creation of man in the image of God was understood as an indication of man’s dignity (Gen 1:27). At first, equality manifested itself as the equality of all believers in the eyes of God. Paul expresses it radically: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28).

The crucifixion: It takes some deep thought to understand this historical event, the results thereof and the opportunities it presents, but it is well worth the time invested. You can read the story firsthand in the last few chapters of each of the four Gospels.

The climax of dignity is seen in the fact that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, died to give every human being the possibility of having eternal life. By calling us His children, He raises us to a status higher than any other on earth. Every believer who calls God his or her Father and lives in the full awareness of his or her value as a child of God is clothed with unrivaled dignity.

Practical Application

It’s easy to talk about such things, but when it comes to experimentation and implementation of these concepts into real life, many just throw in the towel. It seems to be difficult to experience this kind of human dignity in everyday life.

Family

How does dignity look in the family? How much value do we place on our partners? Our children? The oldest? The youngest? The middle child?  Is anyone at a disadvantage? Do we validate the efforts of each with a heartfelt thank you?

How do I show recognition and appreciation for my faithful partner? Could it be that I take the effort that is put into our relationship for granted and hardly notice it, much less reward it with a warm hug?

Appreciation is closely connected with honor and respect. Making the effort to consider my partner’s value, taking him or her so seriously that I actually listen when he or she talks and act accordingly is a way of honoring him or her. Recognizing that my own weaknesses are plenteous and that I am often in need of forgiveness helps me to deal lightly with the mistakes of others.

The family is the most intimate place where dignity can be experienced. There is great reward in treating family members gently and carefully.

Work

What does work have to do with dignity? For many, it is a necessary evil. They have to do it, although they would much rather spend their time and energy on something else. People who unexpectedly lose their jobs suddenly realize how important work actually is.

Some people define themselves through their work. In other words, they base their entire value as human beings on their professional achievements (see BLOG). This becomes a problem when they are no longer able to work, no matter what the reason. A job well done is naturally appreciated and respected, especially on the social level. This makes us feel valued. Whether from colleagues or customers, the appreciation we receive can be vital to our emotional well-being. The dignity of man may be inviolable in theory, but practically, it matters how we feel about ourselves and treat others.

 Quelle/Source:  www.menschenrechte.jugendnetz.de/menschenrechte/glossar/menschenwuerde/