ADD- Attention Distraction Devices

I just read a very interesting article on Psychology Today's website called Put that Iphone Down, I'm Talking to You, by David Swink. With iphones and blackberries everywhere someone turns, one can see how when talking to another person people can be distracted. The article discussed that these devices, while they are wonderful, do take away from what is called active listening. To be an active listener in a conversation with someone, you are fully engaged, responding back to them verbally and nonverbally with your body language and are able to paraphrase what they said back to them. I have seen many times people out to eat in restaurants together talking and also texting someone else at the same time. I do admit I have been a culprit of that myself at times, but have noticed that it does take away from the intimacy of a serious bonding conversation you are having with another person. As well as when you are spending time with someone, you are to be doing just that, spending time with that person. As beautiful as technology is, and as much as we do keep advancing in that department, there is nothing more satisfying and comforting than leaving a good converstation with someone where you were able to be listened to and have your thoughts validated and you were able to do the same for them. So next time someone comes along and says, hey you got a sec? And if you do, place your iphone or blackberry down, and say sure, I'm all ears.