AN ICT REFLECTION
I’m sure this isn’t the first student-written essay that has an introduction referring to the outlandish growth of today’s technology and it won’t be the last. The technologies we hold in our hands have evolved into something no less valuable then the people we hold dear in our lives. It can even be said that these very electrical appliances are what keep our lives and the lives of our loved ones in order and in perfect functionality. My life has been no different then the one mentioned before.
My quintessential technological companion would undoubtedly be my trusty old Blackberry. I’ve been using that phone since sometime around three years ago and it has aided me tremendously in all areas of life, ranging from leisure like messengers and social networks to more demanding usages such as research and writing. I must say that I am extremely satisfied by the large productivity output of my Smartphone in various aspects of my being with relatively little to no input whatsoever. For more extensive usage, however, I do own a PC which gives me quick and easy access to the Internet whilst simultaneously providing a means to carry out tasks from school and even a means to indulge the simplest entertainment needs. Perhaps it would be appropriate to list technology as one of the basic human needs, right next to food and shelter.
Hedonism aside, I view myself as quite the efficient technological user. I only buy technology when it is of utmost importance. I admit that most times the only reason I even manage to get introduced to the best on offer today is because a friend suggested it or because the piece had been a gift, in which case it would simply be crass not to try and study. I think it would be suffice to say that I’m the kind of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” person when it comes to technology. My ancient Blackberry 8900 and equally decrepit Windows XP are testaments to that. Even though I cannot say I am not mesmerized by the ingenuity Apple and friends put forward, I can say that unless my life counts on it, I’m staying with last generation’s technology, cobwebs and all.
I read it in the Bible, I saw it on TV, and it wouldn’t be the last time I heard a middle-aged celibate preach to me the significance of this aphorism: only a fool refuses to drink from the cup of knowledge. No less applies when it comes to knowledge of ICT. With the rapid progression of the 21st century, it’s imperative that I keep up so I won’t get left behind. As both business and pleasure begin to depend on technology for its fruition, I too find myself slightly dependant. As proven by the last exercise, life, as a student, as a friend, as a child would be much harder without those little buttons we press so very often nowadays.
As with all things in life, ICT usage requires a priority scale with which each user can refer to in accordance to what suits them best. I’m the type of person who doesn’t deal well with hierarchy or caste systems so I find it easier to perform both low and high priority ICT-related tasks in the same window of time. More than once have I found my thumbs aching for the sweet relief of my Blackberry’s keypads, my ears savoring the sound of the clacking before taking another deep breath and refocusing my attention on the LG monitor that displays my half finished essay due to be e-mailed tonight. I’m human, I procrastinate, sue me.
It seems that society has taken a step of great magnitude towards the future. Whether that’s a graceful leap forward or a tripping blunder down under, however, is each man’s own riddle to solve. I believe my answer would be exactly what the question states: a step. I may not know where it may lead me nor do I know what would happen should the progress abruptly cease. All I know, though, is that wherever this train is headed, I’m here to enjoy the ride.
No comments:
Post a Comment