Yesterday I conducted a virtual training session. The scope was nationwide. About 10 minutes into the presentation –the internet connection went dead company wide. That meant the PowerPoint that I had labored over for three days was useless. All that visual impact that I had planned was kaput. I actually had to talk my way through this – just like in the old days. (Ten years ago.) I continued lecturing over the phone lines sans visuals. Somehow we got through it. What if I had been too young to remember life “before technology”? Would I have been able to carry on? Technology! Ugh! A double-edged sword.
I am not a technology geek. My younger colleagues put me to shame in that area. But I’m trying to hold my own in the ever-changing world of technology. I work on computer all day. I have a smart phone and can stay connected 24/7. I admit I don’t have my family’s cell phone numbers committed to memory because they are stored in my mobile. I do get a bit edgy if I don’t have access to check my Facebook, LinkedIn, company and personal e-mail. Am I technology addicted? Maybe not – but certainly, I’m dependent. What happens if the power grid goes down? Are my contacts in my Blackberry lost to me forever? (RE! Bug! Will our paths ever cross again?) Does life as we know it come to a grinding halt?
Let’s hope not. There are points in time that I currently unplug . In the car. At the dinner table. At social functions. I’m considering instituting more “unplugged sanity breaks” to improve the quality of life. My real life – which means face to face contact with my family and friends. Dare I institute a whole day without technology?
Are you addicted? Dependent? Do you “unplug”?
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June 25, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Julie
Are you kidding me? I didn’t have cell service for at least ten whole minutes this morning and started to mentaly create my emergency alternatives list. I keep my son’s phone number on a small piece of paper in my wallet because I don’t have it memorized, even after 8 years. I once lost internet service for three days and had a list of 17 items that I wanted to look up when it came back on. My email was accessable only on other people’s computers and I was reduce to begging for access.
I guess I am not as addicted as some. Up to now, I hadn’t considered it a problem. Hmmm.
June 28, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Jonathan Streeter
Due to water main construction on my street, my condo was without water and air-conditioning (no water for the cooling tower) for five hours on Saturday.
None of this mattered to me so long as my internet connection was working!
How sad is that? I prefer the internet over being comfortable (or going to the bathroom??)
June 29, 2010 at 2:12 pm
nickismama
@Julie – I once lost my cell phone and then couldn’t even find a pay phone let alone remember my family’s numbers. We were disconnected for 3 hours. They were sure I was dead.
@Jonathan – Maslov’s NEW Hierarchy of Human Needs: Basic Level: Breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis, excretion and internet connectivity.