Culturally, personally, technologically... are things better or worse than they used to be?

I welcome new technology for the most part. I definitely don’t like the effect it has on some other people (who hasn’t yet realised that texting while driving kills people?!?!) but I like a new toy as much as the next person.

I couldn’t care less about cell phones. I have one to keep in touch with my husband and for business purposes. That’s about it.

I will completely admit to my internet addiction, but I still read books, and I never believe a blog without further research.

I have to laugh at people who are so connected to their GPS systems they don’t know how to get out of their own driveways without it on. I refuse to buy one. I’d rather get lost – at least then I learn how to navigate the roads for future reference.

I like to keep one finger on non-technological activity. I always have some new project going. I sew some of my own clothes, make costumes, I cook a lot. Most recently, I’m learning how to make my own resin pendants and jewelry: forming models out of clay, making molds from the models out of latex, then casting the resin. It’s a great way to keep my hands busy while watching old Star Trek reruns. ^_^

Culturally, on the whole I think we’re doing marginally better than we were say 25 years ago, but I don’t particularly agree with the progress or efforts during that time. Overall I’d liken our culture to a poorly told joke with a good punchline. I see too much potential so poorly misused and misunderstood, applauded for not other reason than we don’t know any better, to accept where we’ve come in the last two or three decades as meaningful or significant.

Personally, I’m definitely better off than I was 25 years ago. I’ve learned a great deal about myself and experienced a variety of things I never dreamed of being party to. I’ve learned to one extent or another how to see and appreciate the little things along the path, that it’s not about the goal but rather the journey, and how to make my life and the lives of those who matter to me happier. I’ve become both more and less openminded, have learned to appreciate what I don’t know, and have managed to make it this far with my sense of adventure and wonder still largely intact. At this point, though jaded, I don’t see that I will ever cease developing those skills and I believe that to be important.

Technologically, I always look forward to new toys. I don’t feel technology gets in the way unless we allow it to. Though I believe there should be renewed focus on how technology can better balance our lives, providing us with more freedom and choice rather than just as a tool to accomplish more daily tasks in the time we have.

Better.

But media thrive on broadcasting bad news.