TECHNOLOGY-Here to Stay

A hacker to me is someone creative who does wonderful things

Tim Berners-Lee (creator of www)

I might be aging myself, but I remember my first desktop computer in 1998. It was during the age when hearing “you’ve got mail” was fascinating and unbelievable. I knew it was going to change my life, but I was fearful because I didn’t know exactly what it was. It wasn’t a tv and it wasn’t radio. It had more bright lights than the state fair. All I knew was, it’s mine and I am going to play with this new toy.

This was the beginning of my experience with the www or world wide web, as well as with digital technology. In my mind, I keep the two separate and I always have. I was blessed with a virus on my desktop computer approximately three days after taking my computer out of the box. Why do I call it a blessing? Because it took weeks to find out that I had a virus, or what even a virus was for that matter. By the time I figured I needed a professional, I had dissected my desktop from stem to stern. There was no reading, browsing or music enjoyment during those weeks. Yet I manage to spend an average of four to five hours daily on that desktop…learning. I called tech support, who had me go in and rattle off some numbers and said, oh, yeah…you have a virus. I was so impressed that someone miles away could give me simple instruction and lead me to my issue. It gave me an appreciation for the internet and technology as a whole.

Fast forward fifty email addresses, 50 cellular phone changes,4 internet service providers later much has changed, technologically speaking. The digital world has and is still leading us into territory that stretches far beyond most of our imaginations. We have satellites and telescopes that allow us to see images and discover new galaxies. We are undoubtably entering an age where technologically speaking, the sky is the limit. What does a smart home for cats look like? How about a projector you can carry in your bag. These gadgets were presented at the 2022 electronics trad show in January. The coolest and weirdest tech at CES 2022 - The Washington Post We are also making great strides, improving the human condition, from a medical perspective. I read an article called “technology and the Human Body, from Egyptian Prostheses to Cyborg. https://blog.bismart.com/en/technology-human-body-egyptian-prostheses-cyborgs

This article talks about how our quality of life has improved due to the advancement of technology. We are able to move pass immobility or various health issues due to the availability of devices and other digital medical solutions. Technology for one is allowing us to live longer and healthier lives.

As far as we have come, and as far as we have to go, I do believe we should take a moment and pay homage to those who have paved the way and made it possible for us to communicate without talking, and to lock our doors without rising from our chairs, and even have a robot bring us our dinner or drink. And while this generation has no comprehension of the leaps and bounds technology has made since the 20th century, they are reaping all of the benefits. According to a 2015 article from the Pew Research Center, studies show that over half of all teens use the internet several times a day. Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015 | Pew Research Center While the young are waiting on the next iPhone to hit the market, some are waiting on tickets to space, or robotic knee or arm replacement. Whatever the case may be, a spot on the beach, somewhere in the metaverse, or telemed for the elderly, technology is changing the lives of everyone.