As a result of stormy weather over the past few days, life as I’ve come to know it changed, taking me back in time to the days before relying on the Internet for social interaction was the ‘norm.’
Since the turn of the century, communicating with one and other has taken on a whole new meaning. Once upon a time, if we wanted to catch up with a friend, check on a loved one or inquire information, it required a verbal exchange of words involving at least two people. Now, the majority of us, keep our mouths shut and let our fingers do the talking. Between emails, texting and surfing the net, conversing has literally been replaced by words – the kind not spoken.
Last Sunday, high winds knocked out my Internet service, which in all likelihood meant, I would not meet my Monday morning deadline to post this weeks blog. Having severe storms throughout the following day, areas in my community and surrounding counties experienced power outages and minor flooding due to heavy downpours.
By Monday afternoon, almost 24 hours of ‘failed attempts’ and not getting a connection on my laptop, I told my editor, Bryan, “I’m going stir-crazy without the Internet. How did we get by in the old days?!!” Bryan laughed, saying, “No kidding! I actually remember going to the library when researching an article to look up things on microfilm. My kids will never know what that is.”
Our conversation quickly emerged into both of us taking a trip down memory lane.
Being (a little bit) older than him, I responded, “I did that too! When I was a kid, we finally got our own set of encyclopedias (bought from a door-to-door salesman). Then we couldn’t afford the annual updated editions, so they became worthless after a while.”
Following a short pause, I said, “Hmmm, I have an idea for my next blog. But for now, I’ll have to write it down on paper.” At which Bryan replied, “Good deal. Can’t wait to transcribe it via telegraph.” I commented, “It’s better than sending it by horse and messenger.” Then we both asked the question, “How old are we?”
After ending our conversation and placing my phone on the table, the irony in itself was comical, causing me to laugh one more time. While reminiscing about ‘the old days,’ we did use a telephone, but not in what would be considered the traditional manner. We too, have succumbed to the most advanced forms of today’s technology, while texting our blast from the past.
While the Internet has made it easier to keep in constant contact with cross-country friends (I know what my foodie friend makes for dinner quite often), it has also cut down on the detail that we put into our correspondence and though we communicate more often it also feels less "real." I miss the letters I used to receive but I also miss those I used to write, as I am just as guilty of relying on instant messages as the next person.
Text messages, IM, FB, it makes everything too convenient and sometimes misunderstandings come from gut reactions or misunderstood sarcasm...
Every once in a while I take a technology break, turn off my e-mail, social networks and IM. Just a few days can refresh me. enough to plug back in. Besides, there are status updates to check on...I have to know what Pete is making for dinner.
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