Teenagers Without Computers - Oh the Deprivation!

At our house this evening, the teenagers' computer sputtered and coughed to oblivion. I think we are going to have to prepare a funeral wake complete with multiple boxes of tissues. You would have thought the family dog died. Much teeth gnashing, heavy sighs, tears, and probably soon a few tantrums. Teens today are so consumed with electronics. I am not sure this brave new world is really all that courageous. It seems to me that computers are replacing real life conversations, chances for outdoor activities, and exposing young minds to all sorts of drivel available at the click of a mouse. Yes, there is some redemption in the useful knowledge this generation can benefit from in the computer dominated world, but is it really all it is touted to be? Good books are never read, wonderful trails are never explored, and face to face human interaction is becoming less the norm and more the unwanted exception. Yes, I use computers, and yes, I have found myself spending far too much time at this damn keyboard. No wonder computers are the new tranquilizers of this decade. Mind numbing and addicting are suddenly realized side effects of too much gaming or online surfing. I know that without a daily computer fix, our household teenagers will undergo symptoms similar to withdrawal from a drug, and a very powerful, insidious one. Already, two hours into the night of no computer use has resulted in moodiness. I have tried to keep this computer I use off limits from teens. We really cannot afford a new computer right now. No question. So, do I offer the use of my quarantined machine and risk its demise? Is there a Betty Ford clinic for the electonically addicted? The world may never be the same.