There is an old saying, “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
That certainly applies to me with regard to the advancements in technology in the past five to ten years. When things like the Internet, cell phones and digital/satellite television came along, I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. Now, it’s hard to imagine a world without them.
Take the Internet, for instance. It was difficult to fathom why the Internet could be such a powerful tool. I mean, people called each other on the phone if they wanted to chat, and they went to the library if they wanted to do research on a given subject.
Now, millions of Internet users go to “chat rooms” if they want to communicate with one another, and they use “search engines” to find out Web sites related to a given topic. Before the advent of the Internet, I thought the only type of engines out there were the kind mechanics looked at when you had your oil changed.
Another Internet feature is instant messaging, which my dear sister Jenny used to her advantage a couple of weeks ago.
Like the youngest sister she is, Jenny sent her instant messages when you least expected them, and when you were focused on looking up another topic. I guess that’s why the good Lord created younger sisters.
Nonetheless, it was good to hear from her – she’s busy with school, and I’m busy with work, so we don’t have much time to talk to each other or hang out – and instant messaging provided the avenue for us to hook up.
Another item that puzzled me when it first came out was the cellular phone. They could be seen anywhere – shopping malls, the grocery store, sporting events, you name it – and they would never cease to annoy you. I thought it was antisocial to use cell phones in public places like that.
So, naturally, I got one last year. Actually, I already had one in case of an emergency, but never used it. As it turns out, my phone was due for an upgrade, and it’s proven to be a useful item after all. For instance, if you’re on the road and late for an appointment, you can always call them up (although you should pull into a parking lot or to the side of the road first) and let them know you’re going to be late.
The most recent technological advance to capture my imagination has been digital television. I realize for several folks, satellite systems (such as Direct TV or the Dish Network) have become quite the rage. However, that’s not feasible with my apartment complex, so digital television was the most realistic option.
About a couple weeks ago, I had it installed in my apartment, and I’ve quickly become a convert. The system has many features you just can’t get with regular cable, like ESPNews (an important channel for a sports geek like myself), VH-1 Classic (also a treat, since I enjoy classic rock) and several movie channels.
The biggest attraction, though, is the amount of digital music channels – there’s more than 40 music channels available. I didn’t know there were that many musical formats out there. You name the musical genre, and they have it — rock, R&B, country, gospel, jazz, classical and Latin music.
It seems like these technological advances have taken ahold on your fearless reporter. I’m as fascinated by them as anyone, but I have to constantly remind myself to keep them in their proper perspective. These technologies are great, but they’re no substitute for everyday interaction with family, friends and co-workers.