One could argue that the time spent during the day doing certain activities is directly proportional to what the mind focuses on, so here's my question: If someone spent a lot of his/her time with material objects (TV, computer, cars, job, etc.) and not with other people, would this ultimately have a negative effect on his/her personality? Is time spent with these objects damaging to one's compassion and selflessness? If so, would it be best to limit the amount of time with these objects and make an effort to increase the amount of time spent with other people, or is it best for everyone to strike a balance between the two somewhere?

I've thought about this and it seems like a balance should be struck, with focus on people having a vast majority over focus on objects.

Does this make any sense at all or am I losing my mind?

 

I think you're losing your mind.

Seriously though, I've thought about my answer to your question and it doesn't seem like it can be answered cause everyone uses material objects differently and for different reasons. Sometimes material objects can help one improve their personality and compassion toward others -- i.e. being on s2ki for 2 years has actually improved my level of respect for the various walks of life out there, watching certain programs on TV gives me new insight on various social matters and I don't doubt that I am a nicer and more compassionate person for it. And then there's material objects that don't really affect my personality either way, and the only reason for the material object is pure pleasure (i.e. my S2000).

Perhaps it depends on the underlying inclination of the person using said material objects?

 

Balance grasshopper, Balance

One could argue that the use of material objects IS an extention of one's personality (but I'm not buying it). That said, there must be a limit in order to avoid degradation of the action and deed of inherent personally traits.

Like Steve says, many material objects are used for personal amusement and pleasure. But like Tyler Durden (fight club) says ;

"You are not your job.
You are not how much you have in the bank.
You are not the contents of your wallet.
You are not your f*cking Khakis. "

Material objects can't define you as a person, but they can degrade one's personality.

The answer ? Balance.

 

I find there are very few people I want to spend time with

If I did have to spend more time with the other people it would _definately_ have a negative affect on my personality

 

One could argue that objects may fill a void in the relationship department. I have never had a large circle of people that I want to share myself with. I can't stand most people. I find them shallow, ignorant and selfish. I prefer to surround myself with quality people. Ironically enough, they feel the same way about the masses. I have one best friend, very few people I would call friends and family. The rest are acquaintances. I felt this way before I had a computer, therefore, I don't believe that objects have perpetuated my social habits. I would say that the computer has given me a heathier outlet as opposed to T.V. I enjoy the arms length relationships that a computer facilitates. The human contact I have is rewarding and comes first. The quality objects that I spend time with are just as rewarding and as carefully chosen as my relationships. I don't need a lot of them. Just a few good ones. There is beauty and peacefulness in empty spaces. I don't like clutter whether it is material possessions or relationships. I have to say that balance is the answer and should be weighted on the human contact side of the equation. I do like spending time with my dog. That dog is my kind of person. Asks for little and gives abundantly. Not my best friend though. My gal is my best friend and she feels the same way.
This topic is proof that there are only a handful of people that I want to share my time with. Most people can't think this deep or it simply isn't important to them. Most people are too busy trying to decide what color socks to wear or who the bachelor is going to pick.