Technology! Oh how I wish I really "got" it. I've been flailing about with it for some time now. So far I have a Pinterest account (hopelessly addicted), a FaceBook account ("they" update it so many times that I can't keep up with what it does or doesn't do or with whom AND my husband hi-jacks it from time to time... he really should get his own). I have two Etsy shops (reminder to me = restock both). Oh yes and I have a Twitter account. Although for the life of me I can't figure out why anyone wants to follow anyone's random character limited comments (well certainly not mine). The only person I follow is Cory Booker because he is just so charismatic... I'm ready to help Newark in any way I can.
What helps me though with this technology is what I DON'T have which is FEAR of it. I know my two user names (teeheeproductions and techcess) are spinning around out in space randomly bumping into index files, Google lookups, FaceBook pages and who knows where or what else. I have experimented with so many things that finding me would not be hard to do... but I'm pretty comfortable that I'm not lost to anyone. I have made some big mistakes however. I tried to sync my husband's iPhone with our iMac and completely deleted his entire address book! Well, it's good thing he is semi-sort-of-retired right now.
Fascinating. I have had the privilege of watching this technology go from Telex to Twitter. I actually worked in the telecommunications industry a kabillion years ago. Who knew? And who knew how fast this would all continue to evolve. We really are living in a remarkable time -- this is up there with discovering electricity, the telephone and railroads. I love exploring Apps and playing Scrabble and texting my husband when I am upstairs reading and he is downstairs watching some sports thing. I go to bed with my iPad and earphones to watch and read everything. I wake up and can spend hours with it soaking up the news from all over the world. I've read more now since I have in years. And shopping - oh so dangerous. And, taking for granted that I can always stay in touch with the kids is so comforting (not necessarily to them).
IM'ing years ago during my daughter's first year of college was a blessing (perhaps not so much for her). I thought I was so techno-savy because I changed the ping notice of an IM to a dogs "woof." During one IM session my daughter casually informed me she was going to some college kid popular place in Mexico for Spring Break and then simply walked away from her computer. The entire floor of her dorm (she told me) was trying to figure out where the incessant "woofing" was coming from as I was desperately trying to get her back to her computer so I could warn her about the dangers of Mexico, etc.
My husband thinks all this technology desensitizes people from real interpersonal exchanges. I'm not so sure... except for missing the wonderful physical feeling only a great big warm enveloping hug can give from or for someone I love, I am content that I can stay in touch so easily with so many.
Yes! The new interconnected age has its up and down sides. I've seen people with so many social media accounts start spamming people with unnecessary info, but like you said, if we can use technology to stay better connected to family and friends, why not?
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