Generations, Technology, & Me

 In today's world, as much as one does not want to admit it, there is no escaping technology. It is everywhere we turn. Technology reaches all nooks and crannies of our society. Our homes, cars, community buildings, transportation devices, and even our streets are riddled with technology. Also in our society, people of all ages and all generations not only are using but are embracing the ever growing world of technology. Technology is both good and bad in my opinion. It can make life easier, more comfortable and convenient; it can also make a person lazy, ungrateful, and even ignorant.

I try to limit some sources in technology in my life, as I feel as though our society is somewhat losing touch with reality. It is sometimes overwhelming to see everyone on the street or on campus stuck in their cell phone. Or other times, you realize that everyone in the room is busy on their phone instead of enjoying one another’s company. Our interaction with one another is dwindling. I incorporate a myriad of different technologies in my life habitually, no doubt, but I also try to be mindful of how I spend my time. I use electricity, drive cars, use house hold appliances, watch television, have a smart phone, and a plethora of other technologies just like the rest of us. However, I try to respect my resources. I no longer sit on the couch and watch television for hours, or mindlessly scroll through the news feed on Facebook. I have realized those sort of technological advancements offer me no enrichment whatsoever.

When interviewing my six year old daughter it was very evident that technology to children today is mostly a source of entertainment and fun. Her favorite piece of technology at this juncture in her life is an iPad and she is waiting for the day when they come out with an iPad, LeapPad2, and Nabi all in one “to make a super fun game!”

My six year old believes that we could do without home telephones because everyone uses a cell phone. She most definitely embraces technology just about as much as I allow. She says technology is “20% important in my life.” But sometimes videos on YouTube can scare her.

My mother who was born in the early 1960’s is also embracing technology. When she was my age, twenty-seven, her favorite piece of technology was the pager, because it enabled people to get in touch with one another when they were not by a telephone.

This was very beneficial at the time. She also is implementing technology by learning to use smartphones and even creating a Facebook account to keep in touch with old friends.  She also embraces it in other ways like I do, such as using the oven, stove, vacuum cleaner, washer and dryer, and other household appliances. She expressed that blue tooth and other wireless devices really blow her mind. The fact that we no longer need wires all over the house is amazing. I most definitely agree with that. She thinks our society could do away with cameras and computers because smart phones pretty much do it all. She is still waiting for the invention of a self-driving car. It would make life easier and much safer by eliminating accidents. It was clear that with each generation technology was becoming more about convenience and less about necessity. The further back in generations we delve, the greater the appreciation for these little wonders that make life easier. But at the same time, they realize that there are more important things in the world.

By the time I interviewed my grandmother, who is in her upper 70’s, it was clear that technology has made leaps and bounds. My Gram exclaimed to me that when she was twenty-seven, she desperately wanted a car, but at that point in her life she could not afford one. Although, as a constellation, she got a vacuum cleaner and a washer. The old ringer style washer from Sears and Roebuck changed her life. She expressed how wonderful it was to have a sweeper and washer in her home. It made life easier for a young house wife and mother of four. She also stated that like the rest of us, she was certainly embracing technology. This is definitely proof that technology has reached everyone in our society, whether you are aware of it or not. She encompasses it by just about every which way she said. Cell phone, using modern appliances in her home, watching television, driving her car, and enjoying all of it. She in no way resists today’s technology. An interesting reply she gave was that she never thought she would be alive when the United States ventured to the moon in the 1969. That was absolutely astonishing to her.

Today, technology in her life is everything to her. It holds a very important role in her life just like everyone else. At this point, Gram thinks we could do away with the automatic hand dryers in public restrooms. Although more environmentally friendly, I cannot disagree with her. She is waiting for the day that we come up with a hand held device that will tell you where you parked in a parking lot so she does not get lost. That along with more social security benefits.

It is remarkable to hear the different answers based on the different ages. Evidently, technology, although important to us all is used very differently from generation to generation. Hearing my Grandmother’s enthusiasm towards our world technology resounded with me. I, at times, feel different. While I use technology just as much as the next person, it frightens me at times. Perhaps my generation does not value it as much the older generations, or perhaps I differ from my peers. There are differences of opinions all around. One thing is for sure, our generation and the generations to follow are misusing technology more than the next. So that brings me back to my initial point, our world of technology today is a help and a hindrance. It is up to the masses to decide how they want to use it. We know it is definitely not going anywhere, one almost has no choice but to embrace it. But it is up to the individual to use it sparingly and for good, not evil.