We all know we live in a digitally connected, technology-crazed, gadget-happy world. But has one of the titans of gadgets crossed a line in their new ad? One writer thinks so. A new Apple commercial opens with the lines: “This is it. This is what matters. The experience of a product.” Woah … wait. The experience of a product matters? Don’t we generally think that our technology and gadgets help connect us to other people? Sure, they make life easier and they look cool, but in the end — it’s about the people we talk/chat/e-mail/Face Time with, the lives we can change, the communities that we build. It’s not (only) about the product, right? Share this article with young adults, watch the video together (on one of the aforementioned gadgets) and have a conversation about honoring people v. products:

• What did you think of the author’s assessment of the message in the commercial?
• Do you find yourself giving a preference to “products” or technological gadgets over people in some situations? Why do you think that might be?
• How do you find a balance between your use of technology and spending time with others, with yourself, with God?
• What do you think of the idea of taking a “Sabbath” from technology or certain gadgets in your life? What might you do to disconnect from technology and connect with God? (Encourage young adults who already have a spiritual practice like this to share the details.)