Thursday, September 18, 2014

Generations, Technology, and Me

Isn't it weird? I look back when I was a kid and I played with Barbies and my Barbies had their little pink convertible and I had to manual push that thing around the house. Took my Barbie and her ken through a cruise ride and dressed them up even cut her hair once and a while.  Back then automatic cars and planes were cool and I didn't even have one yet. Now I see little kids playing with I-pods and watching shows and playing games on their mommy and daddy's phone. I am also guilty of the Netflix. I get addicted to one show and I notice that I take my I-pad with me just to get sneaks in of the current show I'm watching every chance that I get. Back then you had a show that was on at a certain time and you didn't dare miss it. Brings me back to Disney channel days and my favorite  movies. I also made sure I was ready to watch my movie at eight pm. I think back to those times and kind of makes me feel old but also very thankful for my I-pad!




http://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/collection/notes-from-the-orlop/pretty-hairy/
Technology is everywhere now. We use to it to cook food, takes us from point A to point B, entertain our kids, and even educate ourselves. In the past week I started to realize how much of technology was involved in my everyday life. Some of the technology that I relied most on was my hair tools believe it or not. I have many different styles of curling irons and straighteners. Back then women didn't even use electricity to curl their hair they used almost like a hot wand. Then it evolved to rollers that I'm sure your granny still wears to bed. I don't think we should put down on technology because in many ways it is making life more efficient. Another piece of technology that has impacted me was the computer. Without a computer my basic school task would not be completed. The computer also has helped to educate. When I don't understand something in my class or have a hard time grasping the subject I can do additional research to further my education. The computer has also been essential to my keeping in contact with people especially my teachers. I find most of my homework online and can even email my professor with a concern or question.
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/the-evolution-of-cell-phone-design-between-1983-2009/
My mom on the other hand found that the cellphone was the greatest technology. "I resisted having a cell phone for the longest time for the simple fact that I didn't want people calling me. However, the cell is also a benefit in emergencies and contacting family members." I believe she truly likes the cell phone to play candy crush. Which is another great perk of the cell phone is the apps you can download. These apps make it even easier to connect with family. Some of the apps that help use to keep in contact and engages are Facebook and twitter and other interesting social media sites. My Mom has taken full advantage of those since my one sister lives in Alabama. It’s more convenient to have news of loved rights right at the palm of your hand. I've also observed that this could decrease actual communication. Why bother calling someone when you can just post on their wall. It truly is amazing how much a phone can do but it can't help but make you wonder... who is watching you?
My sister Megan, who is in her mid-thirties and is a senior manager shopper experience, uses a lot of the technology that dictates what is selling good and how to sell it to you. "For example... in my job... I buy advertising programs that deliver ads to peoples cell phones (mobile ads).  I am able to target these ads based on what you buy at the grocery store.  The company we buy this through - knows your address based on geolocating your phone (your phone is primarily located where you sleep) comparing that address vs. retailer loyalty cards.  That scared me. (But I didn't stop using my phone)." Phones are able to show your location and companies buy this information. I bet you never even paid attention to those ads either. Neither did I. I just put up with the ads for the free app and never bothered upgrading the application. Phones have come a long way since the bulky cell phone. But does this geolocating stop people from using their phone or checking in on Facebook?
https://www.apple.com/support/macbookair/
Some jobs in today’s world even requires a computer.
My mom's co-worker, Tracy, said the typewriter had the most impact on her life. In school this meant that she didn't have to write all her work out on paper by hand anymore. So when the computer came out it had an even bigger impact on Tracy's life. "I've embraced technology- specifically the computer. It allows you to research and obtain vast amounts of information. It also allows you to produce documents and reports more efficiently." The computer has come a long way from 1962. Computers are even coming in touch-screen and automatically fix the incorrectly spelled words. Could this dumb us down fixing our mistakes automatically or is the computer providing information? Maybe it’s a little bit of both. Like the phone the computer offer almost all the same features. You can even access your bank account on the computer. I bet that makes you even more scared to know whose watching what you do on your electronics.
In this decade it feels like technology is on a roller coaster that only goes up and has yet to reach its peak. I think it’s better if we embrace. It could even save our lives one day with the way the medical technology is increasing. Now a days there are even robotic machines that help assist in surgeries. We might not even think about but the blood pressure machines automatically take your blood pressure every so often. It’s crazy to think back when all the medical records were on paper. Now our medical records are at the fingertips of any doctor that we want to have them. Between automatically correcting incorrectly spelled words and saving our lives...what is in store next for us?

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