This blog post was triggered by a conversation which took place between my children after viewing an advert on t.v. for a large retailer. My children by the way, range from 10 to 18 years and are three boys and one female (not quite woman but definitely past girl).
The advert was promoting the benefits of online shopping. I wasn’t paying much heed but my youngest piped up with ‘why would you want to shop online? As an extremely active, sporty and outgoing little boy he just couldn’t contemplate the idea of not leaving the house. Like any other child his age he has his techie gadgets and games, but not going TO a shop, now that’s just alien.
Female junior is just like, so you know like, this is just how it’s done like!!!! She in her ‘like’ sort of way went through the benefits of online shopping and was full steam ahead when my 13 year old son pointed out that online shoppers must be very lonely people. I kid you not.
The debate was a real eye opener to me. My children were in fact, without any prompting from me, having a MARKETING meeting. The discussion went from the ease of purchase, the value online, the choices available right down to the various delivery methods. The opposing comment came from my 10 year old with “do people not like going to the shops? If nana didn’t walk to the shops then Sally (her dog) wouldn’t get a walk. And anyway, I like going to the shops ‘cos Mary always smiles at me and asks me how school is going.”
This gem of a response was music to my ears. To him going to the shop to meet people, say hello and smile etc. is a no brainer. That’s what human beings are supposed to do. This insular life of online this, and online that (says she as she types her blog) which we have become so accustomed to is now part of daily life for the vast majority of people.
We all need to feel the breeze, feel the heat of the sun on our skin and smell the cut grass.
You’ll never know what’s beyond the door if you don’t step outside to see. (BEdwards)
The only way to do this, is to switch off, get up and get out and remember that computers don’t smile.
