Life with Technology: A Personal Perspective
When it comes to modern technology, the question of what to keep and what to let go is not as straightforward. Each invention and innovation has its perks and downsides, and making a choice can be challenging.
The Case for Keeping Computers
Personally, I wouldnu2019t want to part with computers. Despite the time they devour and the occasional sense of overwhelm they contribute to our lives, they also offer an incredible array of capabilities. With computers, the world of information is at our fingertips, making it impossible to live in a vacuum. From education to communication, entertainment to productivity, computers have revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact with one another.
They can perform complex tasks, facilitate remote work, and even streamline mundane daily tasks. While they take up quite a bit of our time, their benefits far outweigh the costs, at least from my perspective. If I had to choose, computers would definitely be one of the top contenders to retain in my life.
Ambition for Living Online: The Decline of Live TV and Cable
Now, letu2019s talk about whole categories of technology. For example, live TV and cable subscriptions are on the way out for me. Even though they offer an immediate and traditional way to consume media, the internet has made those services obsolete.
The abundance of streaming platforms and the vast array of online content means that there is no need for live TV or cable anymore. News, sports, movies, and TV shows can all be accessed online, on any device, and at any time that suits us best. Infomercials, too, are a nuisance that we can skip through with ease, making this a straightforward choice to remove from my technological arsenal.
With the convenience of tailored experiences and the ability to consume content on our own terms, live TV and cable are becoming relics of a bygone era. Itu2019s time to bid them farewell.
Technology as a Source of Progress: From Fire to Tools
Not all items on our technological timeline are as obvious or as easily disposable as live TV. Fire and tools, which are often seen as timeless constants, have played a significant role in human progress. Fire provided human beings with warmth, light, and the ability to cook food, while tools allowed us to build and construct.
While it might seem that we donu2019t need these physical tools and fire in the digital age, they are still valuable in certain contexts. For instance, in survival contexts, fire and tools are indispensable. Even in modern times, their presence can provide a sense of security and control.
From a historical and cultural perspective, fire and tools have been pivotal in human development, and while their form might have evolved, their importance remains. We are constantly innovating, and tools like fire offer a foundation upon which new technologies can build. This is why, despite the temptation to remove them, I would be hesitant to do so in a hypothetical scenario of choosing one thing to keep.
Arguing Against Self-Serve Checkouts: An Advocacy for Humans
Another technology that I would consider dispensing with, if only one had to be chosen, is the self-serve checkout. While I am an introvert and someone who appreciates the occasional grumpiness of a machine, there is something irreplaceable about interacting with a human being, even if it is brief.
When I step out of the queue and onto the conveyor belt ready to check out, the happiness, competence, and professionalism of a human being behind the counter can still lift my day. They can chat, help, and ensure that the transaction is smooth and seamless, making the process much more enjoyable. Self-serve checkouts can prioritize efficiency and speed, but they miss out on the human touch.
Interestingly, arguments for gun removal often revolve around the areas where modern substitutes might have troubles. For instance, eliminating guns from society might lead to easier revolutions and a complete shift in governance and power dynamics. The ease of self-serve checkouts, however, does not provide an equivalent alternative. People can do so much more than simply scan and process transactions; they can engage, contribute, and interact in meaningful ways.
As I walk out with my bagged groceries, I continue to ponder the role of technology in our lives. While it can streamline our tasks and make our lives easier, there are elements of human interaction that cannot be replicated, and we should strive to preserve these aspects.