Technology, social networks, the future

[okarol]

On the radio this morn they were talking about how technology has taken over our ability to think and use our brains. Kids use spell check and no longer have to understand how to look up words, or how to figure out words using root words or other clues. We no longer memorize friends phone numbers and are lost when we lose the phone. Computers give us access to people all over the world, but what has happened to face to face contact? Books are now available electronically,as are newspapers and magazines. Sames goes for photography, most images are shared electronically and not printed or scrapbooked.

I love much of the progress and use it myself. Just wondering where it will all lead, 10 or 20 years down the road.

[paul.karen]

Scary stuff.

On top of all that we have schools that pass children even when they dont have the basic concept of anything.  No child left behind just push them ahead???   We are producing a generation of laptop children.

God forbid we were to lose power for a month or so.  No computers, no video games, no TV.  Children would be forced to use there imagination and im sure someone would sue over that.

I cant imagine the world 20 years from now.  Will it be full of peace and love.  Or more like Madmax???

[Stoday]

Some hanker after the "good old days".

I don't. Had I been born a generation or so earlier, I'd be dead at my age.

The world changes; on the whole, I think for the better.

[Rerun]

When you consider that kids born today have to learn everything that I had to learn plus the 50 years of history since I've been alive; something had to give.  I thank God for digital watches, calculators and spell check.  I Also thank God for gas fireplaces and microwaves.  AND baggies. Oh... and I guess dialysis machines.

Bring it on.       

[paris]

I have been very interested in what the grands are learning at school. I will say, they are way ahead of what their parents were learning at their age!  Second graders are doing mulitplication and division -- without calculators.    I can remember my Mother being concerned because I never learned to use a slide ruler!  And she said I couldn't survive without learning Latin!     

The grands can all use the computer and cell phones.  I am trying hard to keep up with them!  I love technology ----- BUT!  I still love recieving a real card or a real handwritten letter.   I am learning to be glad to at least get an email!  I still have letters my Grandmother wrote to me.  This generation may not have their history in paper form.   

Good thread!      And I agree with Rerun.  Baggies!  Ziplock bags are a gift from God!

[jbeany]

I think it's more replacing one set of skills with another.  This is not a bad thing, in some ways.  I don't need to know how to milk a cow when I can get milk in a gallon at the store.  I do, however, think the next gen is going to have more trouble coping when there is an emergency situation that cuts off access to technology.  Being able to call for help on a cell phone when you go into the ditch in a snowstorm is all well and good - but if you haven't got the sense to get out and shovel the snow away from the muffler to keep from choking on the exhaust filling the car, it will still be too late by the time the tow truck gets to you....

The local school board elections were last week here.  One of the candidates was stumping at my Gram's house and left a flyer behind.  I started laughing when I read it - it was full of spelling errors.  If the "candadite" doesn't know how to spell or use a spell check - he certainly hasn't got my vote for school board!

[Sunny]

I think technology adds to the complications of our lives. We are never away from all of the gadgets and are always connected.
What concerns me the most, however, is the effect on health. We can have trouble finding reasons to get outside to enjoy physical activities.But the good outweighs the negative.
I just discovered Skype this month with my new computer that has a building camera. I can "see" my 19 year old daughter away at college when we talk and we both really like it. The younger generation have no problems integrating technology to benefit their lives. I just hope it doesn't replace social activity.