When I began college in 2002, I had decided that I wanted to major in digital communications.

It was a growing field, and the blend of English communications and the digital world intrigued me.At the time, my father, who is avidly against computers, said he didn't understand the draw because "computers are going to be the downfall of the world."I laughed at him in that moment, but 12 years later, his statement is coming true.In today's world, you can't walk down the street without seeing someone glued to their smartphone or tablet.We're a nation of "information at your fingertips," and when we can't get something on our phones or through the Internet in nanoseconds, we get frustrated because our technology isn't moving at warp speed.I'm no exception. I have an iPhone and an iPad. I am lost if one or the other doesn't work and complain if it's taking more than a minute to pull up what I am looking for.It even has found its way into my morning rituals. I check my email and then Facebook on my iPad just to see what is going on in my friends' lives as I scurry around half-dazed trying to get ready for work.The problem is, with all this digital technology lending itself to everyone, and especially the younger generations, we are becoming more dependent on these little computerized brains to think and socialize for us.I worry about the kids who are growing up in this digitally driven world because I see them losing touch with everyone around them.They depend on their phones to do homework, socialize with friends and to pass the time.The days of calling your friends to see if they want to play outside are becoming distant memories.Now a child texts to see if a friend wants to come over and play video games, or join an online network and play the game through the Internet without leaving the comfort of their home.It scares me because these children are getting robbed of their childhood and the worst part is they don't even realize it.They expect the world to be contained inside the smartphone that is now an extension of their hand.Recently, I watched my 1-year-old son as he sat in the dirt playing with rocks.He would pick them up, hand them to either Bob or myself and then repeat the process.It amused him for 45 minutes.As I watched this simple act, I realized this newest generation is still untouched by the digital world.They look at the simple things in life like playing in the dirt, making couch cushion and bed sheet forts and eating milk and cookies after running around the yard and actually enjoy them.I envy them a little because they are still what my childhood was and every childhood should be.Maybe one day our world will go back to its roots before computers and smartphones and instant access to information, and people will again learn to enjoy the simple things in life, much like past generations did and much like our newest, youngest generation is now doing.So I dare you, put down your smartphone or your tablet (that you may be reading this column on) and go outside and enjoy the beauty of the real world happening around you right now.Remember, life is short, so dance like no one is watching, stop and smell the flowers every chance you get and cherish every beautiful moment as you go through this crazy journey called life.