The Blessing/Curse of Technology

I feel like an old person when I talk about pre-internet days. Yet, as a baby boomer I think about my youth without cell phones and where answers to questions came from verbal conversations or going to the library. I am not alone in my love and hate relationship with technology.

I recall the “code” that we had with my parents when extracurricular school activities were over, and we needed to get a ride home. We would go to the only pay phone in town on main street, dial the home number, let it ring twice, hang up, dial again, let it ring twice, and hang up. That was the signal that we were ready to get picked up. Mom or dad would show up in 10 minutes, and we saved a dime in the call!

I also remember reading Future Shock in the early 1970’s. Toffler described how someday technology would enable information from around the world to be readily available at home with a few computer keystrokes. If I wanted a report about XYZ from a library in Japan, I would have instant access on a screen rather than having to go to a library or request something mailed to me. We take for granted that immediate answers to many questions can be “googled” with a small handheld device.

Social media dominates the world. Although it allows for immediate information with little effort, it also allows for disinformation, misinformation, and misunderstood information. Having access to people instantly with text or messaging can create important connections. On the other hand, always having our devices in hand can distance us.

Recently I invited three friends to my house to watch a basketball game. Everyone was settled and I had made sure drinks and snacks were available. The game was about to start and I looked around the room to see that everyone was on their phone. I mentioned it and they put the phones away. The moment was surreal as it appeared that their screens were more central than pre-game chatter.

Technology has revolutionized learning. Teaching and research are easier. Nevertheless, so much information can be overwhelming. Drowning in information and starving for knowledge can be a result. I must critically examine the bombardment of messages I receive every day.

I am reticent about artificial intelligence (AI) and the impact it is having. It is exciting and very scary. I continue to evaluate what AI means. In the meantime, I am grateful for the technological world AND also maintain skepticism that it is the answer to life’s social questions.