Everyone's
experience with computers is a different one. Those whom I
interviewed were no exception, yet they had some similarities. Two of
those I interviewed work in the technology department, and one works
in the library. Overall, they said living before computers made
things like researching a longer and more in depth process. On
another note, they all said that their first computer (for all of
them in the 1980's, and therefore before the internet), was generally
not used for much work. For them back then it was more a hobby or a
toy, to have fun programming simple programs to do menial things. To
them, computers did not start to become very useful until the advent
of the internet, when they could look up things.
Another thing that
was common was the way computers worked into people's lives once the
internet really started to come around. For them, it was a gradual
change to the point where it is today. This was due in part to the
connection speed, dial-up (especially the early dial up) was
extremely slow and hard to use with limited amounts of information
available. As time went on, these issues gradually came less
prevalent and the “normal” person had access to the internet.
One thing that two
of the interviewees had was the Comodore 64 system. This was an
extremely popular system, which allegedly had more systems sold than
any other system to date. This system was well suited for games as it
had a then- impressive three channel audio and good graphics for the
time.*
Overall, for these
people growing up then the advent of computers was a great thing that
made life easier to do simple tasks, saving time. As someone born in
1994, I have never really been without a computer or internet access.
I see that the availability of computers for almost anyone nowadays
has made things easier and has opened up so many possibilities for
everyone. One thing that we should watch for, however, is the fact
people become too dependent on computer systems to the point that
they cannot function without them. For us to find an appropriate
balance, people need to be less involved with computers at early
ages, at least not to the point of dependence.
*"Commodore 64 Computer." Commodore 64 Computer.
N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2012. <http://oldcomputers.net/c64.html>.
I really agree with your last sentence, "For us to find an appropriate balance, people need to be less involved with computers at early ages, at least not to the point of dependence." I hate seeing an 8 year old child with his/her own IPad to keep them occupied. It sickens me how much younger kids are getting into technology. I saw a 7 year old (I'm pretty sure he was younger but I couldn't tell) with his own personal IPHONE! That is very wrong in my opinion. I get that technology helps keep kids in touch with their families but if you think about it, like you said, kids need to be less involved in technology at a young age. You appreciate it more when you are older and see the benefits of it.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is a very powerful tool, which has allowed us to do many things that were impossible to accomplish before. So i agree that technology is a wonderful thing, but as you said there needs to be a balance. When people are introduced to too much technology without being taught how to balance technology with life, people tend to sacrifice real life with the digital world, at least in my experience.
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