Frank Angelo is among the few in the Valley who haven’t been hypnotized by the speed and wizardry of the latest technology of iPods, BlackBerrys and iPhones.

Even high-speed Internet and cable television can’t tickle the 58-year-old Beaver Springs man’s fancy.

And he’s fine with it.

Ditto for Kathleen Hinkel, 89, of Lewisburg; Darlene Hoffman, 60, of Richfield; and Henrietta Yarnail, 82, of Snydertown. All have made a conscious effort to stay unplugged.

Their reasons may vary, but their message is clear. The growth of technology — though a gift — has had a negative influence on society.

“We’ve lost simplicity,” said Angelo, a Beaver Springs man who doesn’t own a cell phone, computer or have cable television. “How many kids today know how to solve a problem with their hands or figure something out on their own?”

Angelo admits technology has its advantages, however life to him is “much more simple than trying to impress people with having the best and newest thing.”

According to Angelo, society has gotten caught up in competition and greed. As a result, he said many people have no time for the true meaning of life.