My parents made sure I had my own computer at a young age because they wanted me to have everything I could possibly need for school. As a result, the computer has always been a part of my life and I love keeping up with new models and software. However, my parents still have not embraced the computer, because they did not have access to computers as they were growing up. Even after they bought me my first computer, they did not use it because it had never been a part of their daily lives. And since websites didn’t start popping up until 1993, the internet was a relatively new concept to my parents. My mom needed to learn how to use computers and the internet for her job, so I had to teach her basic computer functions and how to navigate the web. To this day, she still has not mastered computer skills and occasionally Skypes me for tech support. My dad never felt the need to learn, so he never did. Point is, what seems ordinary to me seemed revolutionary to my parents.
The computer and the internet has made everything much more convenient. Knowledge is at our fingertips. Efficiency and productivity greatly increased because of the vast capabilities of the computer and internet. People can connect with each other all around the world.
Of course, this leads to the disadvantages of computers and the internet. Real-world connections often lose to connections in the virtual realm. So-called friends on Facebook sometimes wouldn't be able to recognize each other if they met in public. Most people are so engrossed in their devices that they ignore the real world and miss out on the opportunity to make real-life connections. Some lose the ability to communicate because they are used to messaging each other using improper English. The decreased interactions between human beings are negative externalities caused by the increased use of technology.
I strongly agree with your comment on, "what seems ordinary to me seemed revolutionary to my parents". I too had great difficulties teaching my parents to how to use computers for various features. Now they know how to use them for basic means such as surfing web, online shopping, email, banking, etc. Interestingly, both of my parents adapted to smartphone much quicker than computers. I think it may be a matter of accessibility; they have them all the time. Sometimes my parents would suggest apps and features and occasionally teach me how to use smartphone effectively.
ReplyDelete