We live in an age of modern miracles. Miracles that have surpassed the expectations of those only a generation before us. Our phones are so smart they can run our agendas like a tiny private secretary. Computers are interactive to the point where you don't even need fingers to use one. In fact, everything in our lives can be preset and programmed to go on and off at will. We can even pause our electronic gadgets so that we can multitask without missing a beat or an episode of Lost (Yes, Teresa Huang was totally awesome!).

But this age of modern miracles has consequences that we don't stop to consider. We can instantaneously transmit our thoughts and actions throughout the world (often with incredibly embarrassing results because they are entirely out of context). We upload our actions for public viewing without a second thought (until the police come knocking on our doors and suddenly YouTube becomes evidence). We digitize our most private moments thinking it will be fun to watch as foreplay. We don't consider that 5 million other people including your parents, your boss, your friends, and your pastor who all downloaded them thanks to your bitter ex-boyfriend, are thinking the same thing while simultaneously laughing at the cellulite on your ass.

If we would all stop to consider the consequences of technology, perhaps we would use it with more restraint. Technology is a wonderful thing. It is a testament to the creativity and limitless abilities of mankind across the globe. But we behave like a gaggle of idiots the minute we get our hands on it. And although we like to blame children for its misuse I firmly believe that it is adults who have set the example for their wreckless behavior. We send conflicting signals of appropriate behavior that literally short circuit young minds. Adults are a case study in contradictions and young people just can't cope. Ever heard a group of teenagers describe their parents to each other? Pull out a thesaurus and look up "weird."

Parents protest loudly how innoculations, caffeine loaded sodas and energy drinks cause autism and ADD in their children, then drag them into Starbucks for 10-pump mocha cappucinos before dropping them off at school. We march for freedom of speech and fight against censorship and then complain that our children are being exposed to pornography, drugs and violence in media. Our popular actors and singers make porn tapes left and right then sell them on the internet or make careers out of their bad judgement while we we prosecute teens for sexting.

Now I am a firm believer in progress, freedom of speech, and technology. I don't believe in censorship of any kind. I also firmly believe that people, especially parents, have an obligation to consider the ramifications of these freedoms and we are all required to practice and pass on the appropriate use of them. I was throughly blessed with a mother who exposed me to everything and restricted me from nothing but who also was at my side to discuss and explain what I was exposed to and its place in society. I was never left to my own devices to make what I would of violence on tv or sexual content. She always explained the difference between fantasy and reality. I always had her ear and could ask anything I wanted. She worked very hard and had a career that often took her out on the road. But no matter what, she made time for me even if it was on the phone. She never shirked her duties as a parent and I thank her for that every day of my life. But I was one of the lucky ones.

As a society, we need to practice and teach responsibility. The prevailing attitude of "Do as I say, not as I do" is laughable as an excuse for our behavior and our indulgences. Maybe if more parents would communicate with their children about the consequences and possible dangers of misuse of the marvels of our society, more of them would grow up making sound, informed decisions instead of acting impulsively and paying eternally. And if an adult screws up and does something stupid or careless, instead of lying or dimissing your child, admit that you screwed up and shouldn't have done it. Then don't do it again and make sure that your child knows you won't be doing it again. We can survive in a free world and maintain our sense of morality and enlightenment if we just stop and think. And if you absolutely find it impossible to do so, simply set your smartphone, i-Pad, or computer to send you friendly little reminders to pause and consider your actions before you pick up that joint, send that e-mail or text, or hit the "record" button.