Derrick
ლ(ಠ_ಠ )ლ
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2010
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Are we becoming limited by technology, or is it simply laziness? A technological breakdown in our house a few weeks ago got me thinking about this. Is technology making us lazy, or is the ultra-convenience technology brings limiting us in our ability to function?
Let me explain: 3 weeks ago our tumble dryer stopped working. More accurately, I let the smoke out of the door switch. Anyhow, at the time when we needed it the most, just about to go through 2 weeks of the coldest weather we’ve seen in years, we found ourselves without the ability to dry clothes on a whim. Suddenly we were dependent upon the elements – the sun, the wind, and the dreaded clouds.
We lasted 2 weeks. Today, at the cost of R300+ (the part in question cost R20) we were visited by a technician who kindly restored order to the household. We got our tumble dryer back. All is well. We have 2 weeks worth of washing to catch up, but we now feel confident that we will be alright. This is what got me thinking – are we becoming dysfunctional with all the technology available to us?
I’ve seen the pattern before: When I started out I got along fine with an alarm clock/radio and my bed. Then I upgraded to a stereo system and CD player. I couldn’t do without the latter. I started independent life with a basin and washing powder, and got along fine. Then with marriage came a washing machine. We are now helpless without it. We had our tumble dryer for less than two years, for Pete’s sake. I could go on. These may seem like necessities today (and indeed, they are), but we’ve only had these available to us as a global community for the last century or so (I stand under correction). Our forebearers managed fine without these ‘necessities’.
Let’s move on. I managed for a decade with my stand-alone PC. Then I got connected using dial-up, and upgraded to iBurst. Now both the wife and I get upset if the connection is down – if only for 5 minutes (thankfully this doesn’t happen often). What happened to us? We grew accustomed to having the facility available 24/7, and now use it to check bank balances, the daily TV guide, the kids’ homework, etc. What gets me is how we managed fine without it, but now our lifestyle has changed to the point where it makes certain luxuries into necessities.
Now, I’m not advocating a return to the stone age here. I’m merely suggesting that we rethink our lifestyles. Do something different. Buy a magazine/newspaper instead of visiting your favorite news site. Buy a book (or go to the library) and read it instead of your daily RSS feed. Walk to the shop instead of piling into the car to go around the corner. Go visit instead of popping an IM. You never know when you might need to return to your old antiquated ways.
That’s it. I’m off to watch DVD’s on our large screen TV while eating microwave popcorn. With the comforting sound of the tumble dryer rumbling away in the background.
Let me explain: 3 weeks ago our tumble dryer stopped working. More accurately, I let the smoke out of the door switch. Anyhow, at the time when we needed it the most, just about to go through 2 weeks of the coldest weather we’ve seen in years, we found ourselves without the ability to dry clothes on a whim. Suddenly we were dependent upon the elements – the sun, the wind, and the dreaded clouds.
We lasted 2 weeks. Today, at the cost of R300+ (the part in question cost R20) we were visited by a technician who kindly restored order to the household. We got our tumble dryer back. All is well. We have 2 weeks worth of washing to catch up, but we now feel confident that we will be alright. This is what got me thinking – are we becoming dysfunctional with all the technology available to us?
I’ve seen the pattern before: When I started out I got along fine with an alarm clock/radio and my bed. Then I upgraded to a stereo system and CD player. I couldn’t do without the latter. I started independent life with a basin and washing powder, and got along fine. Then with marriage came a washing machine. We are now helpless without it. We had our tumble dryer for less than two years, for Pete’s sake. I could go on. These may seem like necessities today (and indeed, they are), but we’ve only had these available to us as a global community for the last century or so (I stand under correction). Our forebearers managed fine without these ‘necessities’.
Let’s move on. I managed for a decade with my stand-alone PC. Then I got connected using dial-up, and upgraded to iBurst. Now both the wife and I get upset if the connection is down – if only for 5 minutes (thankfully this doesn’t happen often). What happened to us? We grew accustomed to having the facility available 24/7, and now use it to check bank balances, the daily TV guide, the kids’ homework, etc. What gets me is how we managed fine without it, but now our lifestyle has changed to the point where it makes certain luxuries into necessities.
Now, I’m not advocating a return to the stone age here. I’m merely suggesting that we rethink our lifestyles. Do something different. Buy a magazine/newspaper instead of visiting your favorite news site. Buy a book (or go to the library) and read it instead of your daily RSS feed. Walk to the shop instead of piling into the car to go around the corner. Go visit instead of popping an IM. You never know when you might need to return to your old antiquated ways.
That’s it. I’m off to watch DVD’s on our large screen TV while eating microwave popcorn. With the comforting sound of the tumble dryer rumbling away in the background.