Technology - it's got a definite odd element

 

Technology - it's got a definite odd element

10 March 2024

Technology. It’s been life changing. And it’s added so many wonderful elements and phenomenal benefits to our lives.

 

Where to start? Technology is just such a broad term. But I suppose it encapsulates any electronic device, designed to make our lives easier. Or at least that’s my take on it. And by easier, I mean quicker. It helps to speed up the whole instant gratification process even more. Cause who wants to wait for anything, right?

 

Personally, I’m a very big fan. To name but two examples - cell phones and the miracles of the internet. I mean when you think about it (and you’re not very bright, like me) it’s hard thing to wrap your head around. How come I can send a single message on our Lombard family WhatsApp group and get instant replies? And by simply saying messages, it can encapsulate pics, videos, voice notes and the like. It defies logic. Considering the size of the Lombard clan, it’s a relatively small group, with only 24 participants. Some of the younger cousins and great-grandchildren have declined to join. No stamina, the youth of today.

 

Anyway, I can send a message on the group, check and see the moment it’s been read by participants across the world. And within seconds, my cousin Gareth can send a response. All the way from Sydney. Or my cousin Maria from Edinburgh. Or my cousin Elaine for that matter, during break time in the staff room at a school in Kuilsrivier. My cousin Adam from… (you get the point). Seriously, think about it. How crazy is that?

 

My Dad would so have loved it. It was something that we could not even imagine back in 1999 when he went to the special farm. And back then we were already convinced we were living in the future. I mean, we had cell phones like bricks, that could be used for weight training by that side. Double benefits right there! Most families had a home desktop computer and the internet was already a thing. But not at current capabilities. I had not imagined things could get more advanced back then.

 

Now it’s all instant cell phone banking. Ordering groceries, take-aways, clothes and even more technology online, simply to have it delivered straight to your doorstep. Streaming anything you can even think about watching on a screen. It’s quicker to cook food. Everything is faster.

 

Hell yes! It’s great.

 

But it’s also confusing. And strange on a whole other level.

 

I recall getting a new microwave a few years ago, and vividly remember saying to My Grantie, “I like the new microwave’s ringtone”. Cause yes, it had a ringtone, when any function you selected was completed. The same can be said for our washing machine. Which leads to another confusing example of technology. When our washing machine (about two washing machines ago – they don’t last very long in our home) broke a few years ago, My Grantie Googled possible trouble shooting solutions. Eventually got “a washing machine man” to come and have a look at our washing machine. And he declared that our washing machine needed a new motherboard. Seriously? A motherboard? For a washing machine. That’s very odd. It’s not a computer. Though technically on one level, it is. Most peculiar.

 

But technology has also come at a cost. And a huge one at that. It’s created so many incredible job opportunities. But it’s also made so many previous professions defunct. Surplus to necessities.

 

Imagine telling a school going kid that they’d need to go to a public library to use a reference book in order to do research for a school project. So outdated. I’ve mentioned this to my kids and they just think it’s so archaic. Putting coins in a photo copier in order to make a paper copy of a reference book. Now you simply take a pic or scan the image on your phone. Couldn’t be easier. Not to mention quicker. But you don’t really need that function now, do you? Cause you simply Google. And it’s right there. At your fingertips. Madness.

 

Alas, here I am, sitting in my lounge. Writing a blog on my laptop, with my phone at my side. My Grantie is watching Feeding Phil via Netflix. I can smell the potatoes I’m roasting in the air fryer. And just now I might even reheat some of last night’s cooked carrots to add to today’s roast meal. Just fetched my boys from work, so they’re chilling out. Luke’s playing Playstation. And Cole’s listening to music on Spotify. All happening simultaneously.

 

Which means, not only are we currently living in the future, but if the past and the previous speed of progression, innovation and development are to be believed, we ain’t seen nothing yet.

 

Cannot wait for my first flying car. I’m thinking red will be a really cool colour. Would've been so handy when my kids were younger. The school run would've been a breeze. Or perhaps they would've gotten to school in my self driving car?