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Keller @ Large: Technology Gone Too Far?

BOSTON (CBS) - Tuesday was one of those roller-coaster days where you lose hope for the future of civilization, then see it restored.

My low moment came when I saw an ad for a new technologically "smart" basketball that pairs with an app in your smartphone to track your shooting percentage and provide crowd noise, play-by-play, and countdowns as you rise up for the game-winning shot.

So much for one of the great pleasures of childhood, the running commentary that you and your friends provided for your pickup game. And while keeping score was usually part of the fun, we saw no need for a running calculation of our statistics.

What's next, a computerized ref fouling you out?

I'm sure this product will be a big hit, as our culture gives itself over completely to technology that often undercuts any need for actual human interaction or imagination.

That was a bummer, but I felt better later in the day when I learned about #KardBlock, a new add-on to your internet feeds that will intercept and block any mention of any member of the Kardashian family, replacing them with links to charitable causes.

God bless American ingenuity!

The problem is, you can't block out all exposure to the cultural depravity and boredom the Kardashians represent, any more than you can force kids to choose real life over virtual existence. Once they've got that smartphone, the horse is out of the barn.

So in the end it's up to us, the consumers, to use our brains instead of just letting them be used.

But are we up to that challenge?

Listen to Jon's commentary:

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News weeknights at 11 p.m.

Email Jon at keller@wbztv.com or reach him on Twitter @kelleratlarge.

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