Cape Karen
Our kids probably think that it's always been this way ~ that we've always had the entire world at our fingertips. No, they may not have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths ~ but, for sure, they arrived with a plastic mouse firmly grasped in their little hands. But, what about us somewhat computer-savvy adults? Have we even begun to realize the power and privilege that we've been given by being so globally "connected?" I hear people my age still saying that they don't want a computer in their home . . . that they don't want to "have to learn how to use one." (I have one of those people living here. He hasn't a clue how to turn the thing on, and he doesn't want to know.)
I can understand that. I was once computer-confounded, too. But, I am now forever grateful to my two sons for helping me become somewhat computer literate. (At least I no longer fear that it will blow up if I hit the wrong key.) To those who don't want to learn, or who won't at least give it a try, I would ask: "You don't want instant access to the Smithsonian Institute, so you can visit there without wearing-out three pair of shoes, just trying to explore it all?" "You don't want to be able to visit every National Park in the world, right from your desk, with just a few clicks of the mouse?" "You don't want to be able to look up the answer to any question you have, in less than a minute?" "How about if you need a recipe using avocados ~ real quick?" "Or, what if you wake up tomorrow with strange spots all over your forehead?" (Google: "Spots forehead.")
For example, when I came down with Bell's Palsy in 2000, the doctors I saw in outpatient didn't have a clue what was wrong with me. So, when I finally got discharged, without a diagnosis, I went right to my computer, went to Google, and typed in my symptoms and ~tra-la~ I quickly found out that I had Bell's Palsy. I read all about it on the Mayo Clinic website, and then I sought the treatment I should have gotten after spending an entire day at the hospital. And, they weren't one bit thrilled when I told them that I had found "my diagnosis" on the internet, either! (I got a nasty sneer and a sarcastic snicker. . . but, guess who was right!?)
So, I guess you'd say I'm hooked now ~ 'cause I can't imagine life without having all this helpful information right at my fingertips. Of course, it doesn't always make for great bedfellows when one person is computer addicted, and the other can't even type a sentence. I get these kind of comments all the time: "Are you still on the computer?" "Honey, quick, come see what the cat is doing!" Well, if you'd ever get off the computer . . ." "Did you remember to fill the hummingbird feeder today, or were you too busy on the computer?" "Is my shirt ironed yet, or are you still on the #*x! computer?" And, before I went 'Comcastic,' I used to hear, "I tried calling you earlier, but you must have been on the computer. "
Sigh. He'll never understand. I'm busy! Like the song says, " I've got the whole world in my hands." (And, BTW . . . he can iron his own damn shirt - I'm touring Germany . . . .)