Thanksgiving is a time of mindfulness and appreciating what we have. It seemed like the best time to share some technology insights from an unlikely source – the Amish. Many modern families find themselves struggling to keep up with the Jones’ and feel it is their moral duty to get the latest technologies.

The Amish take a more holistic approach. You may be surprised to learn there aren’t rules which explicitly forbid the use of new tech. Yet many Amish groups refuse even to be photographed. This is because each group takes into account what each piece of technology is. They examine how it will affect their way of life. They don’t blindly assume the newest invention will improve things.

We could learn from them.

Arizona State University social researcher Jameson Wetmore claims the Amish use the rest of us as an experiment. They see what happens when we begin to use new tech. They then choose whether that outcome is something they want. For example, if a person is severely ill, they can accept a ride in a vehicle from a neighbor. They can also check into a local hospital. They would not own an automobile themselves. The communities usually reject these modern inventions because they believe those technologies erode their community.

As we dive headfirst into the holiday season, think twice about the gadgets on your own wish list, and those you planned to give others. How might any new tech change your life? Weigh the positives against the negatives.

Note: If you read my podcast columns, here are some of the podcast suggestions from other readers: Non-fiction: Ear Hustle, Serial; True Crime: Hell and Gone; Informative: Stuff They Don’t Want You To Know, Stuff You Should Know; Paranormal Investigation: Desert Oracle Radio.