I recall when the first IBM computers came out in the early ’80s, then going to tutorials and being turned off by the ridiculous cumbersome, un-user-friendly instructions. It was only when Apple came out with the iMacs in the late ’80s, that computers became more user-friendly, more common-sensical and basic, and less weirdly complex and immediately off-putting, making people slaves and robotic in their interactions with the machines. (There were some older people then who did not get into computers then because of this. That and poverty, signified by the low percentage of 80+ users and the 22% have-not number, in the States, for instance.)
Anyway, I’ve never had a problem with basic, functional technology (c.f. my Apr. 23, 2020 blog-piece on useful, beneficial technology; I remain, in any case, most impressed by medical technology). But others, I’ve passed on. I can do for myself with what I’ve got, thanks.
Thus, thought I as I brushed my teeth this morning with a regular brush and shaved with an old Gillette Sensor which still works for me. I can feel and hear the cuts with this olde standby, knowing I’m not missing anything. Comfort technology from an earlier time complete with sensory affects.
But I’m not one to pass on any personal technology which makes sense, is easy to use, and fast. Therefore, the velcro-strips on my walking shoes and snow-boots.
And I have, long since, ‘sold out’ and moved into using computers and printer daily (laptop and main frame) to do my daily writing, poems, and blogs. It was a no-brainer when the iMacs came in to send discs (or run-off hard copies with a printer) to Toronto to do up my textbooks and for me to prepare my teaching materials and conference materials using the same computer. Faster and a far cry from a manual typewriter in the ’60s and ’70s and my electric typewriter in the late ’70s and ’80s. Each technology in its own time, methinks.
Today my computers are second-nature and get a lot of use blogging and writing. In fact, being and becoming computerized was a great enabler and freed me to express myself faster and easier than before. I eventually found a technology that can keep up with my ephemeral, stream-of-consciousness brain. Check.
But, as mentioned, the olde creed still remaineth. Thoreau’s “Simplify, simplify”; keep it simple, stupid. Know one’s limits and limitations where technology is concerned. And there is still a sweet, pleasurable autonomy about not upgrading unnecessarily (just because the technology is there and can be used; no one ever seems to question anymore if all this technology is any good, harmful, or dangerous).
And so, a sense of balance, common sense, and the practical above all else. That and the ever-pleasurable choices of being a unique individual. Not selling out conventionally, completely, and irrationally.
…………………….
ps/To say nothing of the untrustworthiness and un-security aspects of e-technology. As in AB Health’s immediate failure online this morning when they opened up their site to take bookings for seniors to get vaccines in order to protect them and save lines. No, indeed, what many have long known about the frequent, recurring unreliability and limits and limitations of computers everywhere and, deep-down, when it really matters.