Today my gripe topic is technology. Yesterday someone read a response letter in the newspaper to an article about e-readers, for example the kindle, They asked the readers where they should charge their e-reader whilst on a trip to out-back snow country. I laughed of course however part of me didn't find it funny, I found it sad.
Several months ago I watched the TV special "The Commercialization of Children" (which is available on YouTube at the moment of this post). It scared me. Not 'scared of a spider' scared but just creeped me out. I'm a bit of a split personality when it comes to technology because part of me loves the gadgets, the webcams, the USB hubs shaped like a TARDIS etc etc. However the other part of me envies the characters in "The Good Life" a very old BBC series about a couple who go off the grid and live off their yard, some animals and their brains. It was made in the 70's and still makes sense now.
So what? Do we give up the technology? Do we continue the way we are going, making even the unnecessary things electronic? I don't have the answer but I have to admit that often the lack of technology would be very nice. I remember when I was a little kid and it rained my mother would take me outside and we would jump in puddles on a walk and them comeback and each hot chocolate. We don't do that anymore. When it rains I turn on my laptop, furiously backing up files in case it crashes. I don't remember the last time when I wasn't aware of this impending Data Doom!
Frankly I'm sick of it. I'm sick of worrying if my data will be there in the morning. How much a repair will cost me, how much I'd lose, how I must back up some files at least 3 times just to be sure. Pens cost about 1000th of a computer and can write thousands of words. No backing up required.
Goodness knows what the solution is but I personally am sick of relying on electricity and technology, especially when most of the time it doesn't even work. Now I realise it is highly ironic to post that on a blog but it's true. And I'm going to try and minimise the amount I rely on technology...in fact come to think of it if I wasn't in house with too many smoke detectors I'd live by candlelight...bring on Earth Hour!
Give me your thoughts - Do you feel weighed down by technology? Do you think we over-use it? Or do you simply love the fun/convenience?
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