Why advisers need to keep their human touch in the digital age

New advances mean many things have been replaced, but we still need to take time to relate to each other.

As Bob Dylan said, the times, they are a’changin. We know the obvious items that technology has made irrelevant, such as alarm clocks, typewriters and maps. Yet, thinking about where we are and where we are heading, I believe many other items are in danger of extinction — or at least serious decline.

For example, our paper use has greatly decreased. Files are paperless; contracts can be signed electronically; ecards and invitations have overtaken paper cards; online banking has virtually eliminated checks; efax and scanners have replaced fax machines; and even tax returns are filed electronically.

Will there be a time when paper is totally eliminated? Maybe. I tried to think of examples where paper could not be replaced, but always found a counterargument. Children’s drawing paper? They use iPads. Cigarette paper? Now, there are electronic cigarettes. Books and newspapers? Those are now ebooks and online publications. Boarding passes? You can use your cell phone.

Shopping malls and stores are now on the endangered species list. It’s so much easier to shop online. We don’t need to fight traffic or wait in line. And, we can search out the lowest price without having to look at ads in the Sunday paper. Even grocery stores could become a thing of the past. My own son orders his groceries online and gets delivery within hours.

Beside tangible items, I believe technology can negatively affect physical and mental health. I’m referring to trends more significant than the decrease in exercise from using a remote control rather than getting up to change a channel. Computers and the Internet have made us all accustomed to instant information, communication and action.

Multitasking is commonplace, whether or not it works and whether or not it’s socially acceptable. We don’t have to leave our homes to shop, see movies or play games with others. And we are bored by what used to be called leisure activities, such as sitting at the beach, taking a walk, reading a book or even having a real conversation. We move around less, do too many things at once and don’t know how to slow down.

Should we be concerned? I think so. In my opinion, we should embrace technological advances while still retaining what makes us human. We can move beyond file cabinets and typewriters just as our predecessors said goodbye to buggies. But we need to take time out to exercise, relate to each other and smell the roses.

Sheryl Rowling is chief executive of Total Rebalance Expert and principal at Rowling & Associates. She considers herself a nontechie user of technology.