When you stop and think about it, it’s pretty amazing how quickly Facebook and Twitter have become  part of our daily lives.

(My birthday was significantly more boring “pre-wall”.)

Which begs the question; What do you like – or dislike – about social networking?

If a theme emerged in the first six months of  The Real Life Survival Guide’s public radio show, it has been the degree to which technology has changed our lives.

This got me interested in the question of information overload”, which came to mind as I read an article on the topic from Stepcase Lifehack.

SO… here’s today’s featured question: “How do you fight information overload?”

Our web guy, Gary Choronzy has often complained to me about what he perceives to be “techno-bashing” in some of our conversations.

(I’m not going to say who Gary blames for said bashing… but he is a cohost of the show and it isn’t me.)

The counterpoint: What is your favorite new piece of technology?

In Episode 12 at the New Haven Open, Gary Choronzy (our web guru) complained about what he perceived to be “techno bashing” in previous conversations.

Invoking the story of the Luddites, Duo Dickinson “manned up” and took responsibility.

So, in deference to our previous “Neo-Ludditeism” (Duo’s term), I pose the following question: What is your favorite smartphone app?

This is a topic that was touched on by CT Out and About Publisher Ed Bartlett during our editorial meeting at Ashley’s Ice Cream, and again by Yale Rugby Coach John Broker during our most recent gathering at the New England Brewing Company.

Everyone seemed to agree on one important fact: that while we’ve been quick to embrace online social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter, many of us haven’t taken the time to stop and consider the consequences of the information we’re sharing.

How much information about yourself do you think you should share online? Feel free to join the conversation in the comments section…

This is a question that arose from Joanne Kahan’s pitch about the noise that comes from people wearing headphones in public places. This, in turn,  let to a conversation about what seems to be a need, on the part of many, to control the “noise” of everyday living – by creating their own!

Cellphone use in general seemed to be the thing that stirred the conversation the most, so we pose this question for your consideration: ‘Where (and when) is it absolutely NOT appropriate to use your cell phone?’.

One of my favorite comments: “A public rest room stall! One of these days I’m going to let out a massive groan, then flush!” (Thanks, Claudia!)

If you own a cell phone (and who doesn’t) you will experience the “dropped call” from time to time. You’re talking away, and all of a sudden you find yourself wondering if the person on the other end of the line is a.) listening attentively, or b.) gone.

There doesn’t seem to be an established etiquette on who calls who back. Personally, I end up either staring at the phone while I wait for the other person, or I take the bull by the horns and call back myself. (The latter choice seems to cause the most problems, as you end up interrupting the other person, who is calling you back, via call waiting.)

The madness must end – so let’s settle it once and for all, here and now. Consider it a winner takes all cage match for the future of cell phone etiquette: WHO CALLS BACK?