Technology And I

In today’s age, it will be foolish to shy away from technology. Though I have seen many who pretend not to understand or be comfortable with it. I really wonder why. It does make things easy.

I happened to work almost four decades in a system based Organisation. However, a few of my colleagues feigned ignorance when it came to working on apps and systems developed in-house.

Having said that I am also a hands-on person and like to work with technology as much as with my own two hands. For example, inspite of  having a chopper  I mostly cut vegetables with knife. I have a blender but I very infrequently use purees while cooking. 

At the same time I do not do away with old technology very fast. I still preserve a Digital Diary, a Calculator, a number of old cameras. (Very recently I got rid of a Walkman). I still calculate orally or use a pen and paper for minor  calculations though a calculator is handy and readily available in smartphone. To be honest I take to the latest in slow paces feeling my way around in all earnestness.

Less knowledge is always scary. I am scared of AI and its all pervasive presence. Mostly because I have not learnt about it yet. Notwithstanding, anything that alienates humans from their innate aptitudes and make them powerless is not good. Of course, with knowledge all instruments and machines can be used intelligently. They are tools, right? Not masters.

One of my colleagues happened to follow someone on FB who influenced her to do some weird kind of meditation. According to this colleague of mine, practising that meditation disturbed her more. Finally she gave up on meditation and also cancelled her FB account.

Social networking is part of modern day technology of keeping connected. But it is for us to see who we are connecting with. Having huge “friend” base should not be the motto. It is more important to figure out who we are friendly with. With all the fakery that goes along with it I believe one should only connect and interact on social networking sites with people who we know physically or those who  are part of our interest group(s). Nonetheless, It is also to be mentioned  that I have unexpectedly received a lot of help and encouragement from my online/virtual friends and co-bloggers whom I have never met but yes a few I have spoken to over phone or made contact over e mail. That way I have been very lucky.

Being conversant with the latest technology is a manifestation of our adaptability in times where change is the only constant. We cannot shirk off the latest information and mechanism just because it is new or complex or does not adhere to our personal definition of living right. How long can we avoid looking in front ? How long can we keep walking forward with our head backwards?

I really, really repent my inability to drive for various reasons. If I could I would have been much less inconvenienced and dependent on others. Its my pledge of the year to file  the next Income Tax Return  on my own. To get to know more about AIs – it’s appropriate usages, associated myths and navigable  downsides – is also in my agenda. In short, I wish to overcome the  glitches which make me less techno savvy.

Doing away with technology is a bad idea. But again technology needs to be user friendly and  harmless to environment and society. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. There are those who will use technology right and those who will compromise it for their personal benefits, needless to say, by fooling the majority.

We have to be cautious and careful. I blocked two Insta followers who liked my every post but had their profiles locked. I avoid users who try to be over friendly or inquisitive. I am not super active on such sites. I just browse them off and on to remain in touch with the latest. I am curious about what’s available online but shop rarely. I do not venture into sites I am not confident about. I seek advice from those who are  more knowledgeable before parting with personal details online.

And that’s my latest with technology.

There are many for whom technology is just  being upmarket.

For me it’s optimising survival.

Yeah ! You heard me right ….

Pic from Pexel