My Love/Hate Relationship With Technology

Love/Hate Relationship with Technology

I have a love/hate relationship with technology and I know I’m not the only one. It’s one of life’s little paradoxes. We get things to make our lives easier, however, they cause so much stress that it makes our lives hell!

Computers

My writing career began pretty much as soon as I could form words and sentences. However, I truly embraced my passion in 1994 at the age of thirty-one. I’d wanted a computer for years, but didn’t have the money to purchase one. Instead, I managed to save up for a word processor. Though it had disk saving capabilities, it only had a one inch screen which made reading what I’d written a pain in the ass. But it was mine and I loved it.

I immediately started writing a book which had been waiting patiently to free itself from my mind. I can’t remember how many pages I’d written, or how many hours I spent tweaking the book, but one day as I went to save, catastrophe hit! Instead of noting the “save” prompt, I accidentally hit the “delete” button. I sat in silence with my mouth gaping as I watched and realized with horror that all my hard work was disappearing before my eyes! (It didn’t occur to me to unplug the stupid machine!)

That was my first induction into the world of technological mishaps . . . but it didn’t end there. After that episode, I was adamant about getting a computer and was thrilled when I brought it home. It was the WORST piece of machinery I’ve ever known! The company we purchased it from must have seen the words “not too bright” emblazoned on our foreheads. We walked out of there with a three-year lease and an order for a machine that begged to have a baseball bat taken to it!

Four other computers and two laptops followed that first home computer. What can I say? Some people collecting stamps!

Cellular Phones

Similar to the desire to have a computer, I had an intense wish to have my own cell phone. The initial intention was so that I could remain in contact with my family when I was out on the road doing stories. By then, I had taken a job as a photojournalist.

My first cell phone was a clunky hard plastic flip closed phone. Compared to the one I have now it was HUGE! The problem, however, was not so much with the phone itself, but with the general service. There weren’t enough “towers” to adequately send and receive signals. Therefore I frequently found myself out of range – which defeated the purpose of having the phone in the first place!

As with everything, technology progressed forward and soon better phones came on the market to appease the public’s growing appetite and demand. But, nothing is perfect. Though there has been improvement in the size of service areas – there are still points where a signal is dropped. Oh to be able to communicate telepathically and bypass technology!

The Internet

Several months after I brought my first computer home, I decided it would be a wise investment to connect to the information highway. My husband wasn’t too pleased but I suggested it would more convenient to make my writing deadlines because I wouldn’t have to leave the house. My surfing led me to Yahoo and their array of chat rooms where I became a regular visitor. The addiction that followed lasted about four years. I met several individuals, some of whom I still contact and even met with in real life. However, I moved on and left the chatting world behind. I prefer a connection of email or blogging these days.

Technological advancement has always been a matter of pros and cons. Though created with good intentions, their natural polarity towards destruction, mayhem and stress sometimes outweigh the benefits.

What’s the answer? Technology cannot be thwarted, it will continue long after we’re all on another realm of consciousness. Basically, it boils down to a matter of choice and the best choice would be to take a break. Get away and attempt to return to a simpler, less stressful time. While it’s good to be connected to the world, it’s also a good thing to disconnect yourself now and then so you can appreciate other aspects of life. On that note . . . please leave a number and I’ll get back to you after my break. ;)

Peace