There are too many digital gadgets on the market for my liking. Do we really need a smart phone, tablet, laptop and e-reader? Do we spend too much time using these things and not enough quality time with family and friends? How can we force ourselves away from the all the instant news and gossip of our internet connected circle? How many digital toys do we need anyway?
The Hipsters
For me, the Android phone I am forced to use is one giant nuisance. It takes five steps to make one phone call, the keyboard for texting and the internet is so small I had to buy a stylus in order to speed up entering text and it takes an incredible amount of time to download a GPS app, which I badly need. I really do not see why this type of phone is being hyped so aggressively. Honestly, why spend $500 on an iPhone or smart phone when you know a newer and better version will be released soon after. Technology seems to change weekly. Something better will be on the market soon. Plus, there are better uses for that money. Bet you think an old lady is writing this.
The Bleary Eyed
People who work on computers at work, which is almost everyone, may or may not want to come home and socialize on another one. The same can be said for tablets and using an e-reader. One screen all day long is enough. The constant glare from the monitor makes tired eyes and spending off-work hours doing the same thing can really stress eyes out. Every digital device will have its issues and glitches which eventually requires the user to call product tech support. This is always a crap-shoot. You could get someone in the US, if you are lucky. Most of the time you are routed to an outsourced call center in another country. The problems that can occur from this kind of call are well- documented from Editions TV.
The Avid Reader
Reading is something I have always loved. There is nothing like the weight of a book in your hand and the feel of the pages between your fingers. Bookstores are always great places to hang out. Not only do they sell great stories that pull you into another world, but there are bags, note cards, pens and other creative and interesting items to consider buying. I will admit that I like Amazon, but nothing will ever take the place of a bookstore piled high with everything to make a cold weekend day warm and fun. Not to mention the boundless possibilities for gifts.
Social Media Makes You an Instant Star
One of the problems with having a digital device in your pocket or purse is that anything you witness can become instant news on the web - whether it is YOUR news or not. Everyone seems ready to be the next hot journalist even if they know nothing about journalist ethics. In fact, you could be the unwilling subject of someone who thinks it is okay to blog, tweet or post about you because they do not know you. The HD cameras on digital devices are great. But it is not great to tag someone on Facebook if they do not want to be tagged. That happened to me a year ago on a volunteer site. I asked a group of new volunteers to not record the briefing I was about to give since I did not want to find myself on YouTube the next day. I started the briefing, I noticed a young man slyly holding his smart phone at his hip and aimed at me. I asked him to please respect my wishes about not being recorded. He responded by saying that it was his right to record what he wanted. Well, we were both right. The bottom line is that no one has the right to record you without asking.
A Life Made a Little Easier
Social media keeps us connected to what is important in our lives. Some of the apps on smart phones are helpful. Tablets are easier to travel with than laptops and e-readers are great for travelers. In the end,technology makes life a little easier than before.
The Hipsters
For me, the Android phone I am forced to use is one giant nuisance. It takes five steps to make one phone call, the keyboard for texting and the internet is so small I had to buy a stylus in order to speed up entering text and it takes an incredible amount of time to download a GPS app, which I badly need. I really do not see why this type of phone is being hyped so aggressively. Honestly, why spend $500 on an iPhone or smart phone when you know a newer and better version will be released soon after. Technology seems to change weekly. Something better will be on the market soon. Plus, there are better uses for that money. Bet you think an old lady is writing this.
The Bleary Eyed
People who work on computers at work, which is almost everyone, may or may not want to come home and socialize on another one. The same can be said for tablets and using an e-reader. One screen all day long is enough. The constant glare from the monitor makes tired eyes and spending off-work hours doing the same thing can really stress eyes out. Every digital device will have its issues and glitches which eventually requires the user to call product tech support. This is always a crap-shoot. You could get someone in the US, if you are lucky. Most of the time you are routed to an outsourced call center in another country. The problems that can occur from this kind of call are well- documented from Editions TV.
The Avid Reader
Reading is something I have always loved. There is nothing like the weight of a book in your hand and the feel of the pages between your fingers. Bookstores are always great places to hang out. Not only do they sell great stories that pull you into another world, but there are bags, note cards, pens and other creative and interesting items to consider buying. I will admit that I like Amazon, but nothing will ever take the place of a bookstore piled high with everything to make a cold weekend day warm and fun. Not to mention the boundless possibilities for gifts.
Social Media Makes You an Instant Star
One of the problems with having a digital device in your pocket or purse is that anything you witness can become instant news on the web - whether it is YOUR news or not. Everyone seems ready to be the next hot journalist even if they know nothing about journalist ethics. In fact, you could be the unwilling subject of someone who thinks it is okay to blog, tweet or post about you because they do not know you. The HD cameras on digital devices are great. But it is not great to tag someone on Facebook if they do not want to be tagged. That happened to me a year ago on a volunteer site. I asked a group of new volunteers to not record the briefing I was about to give since I did not want to find myself on YouTube the next day. I started the briefing, I noticed a young man slyly holding his smart phone at his hip and aimed at me. I asked him to please respect my wishes about not being recorded. He responded by saying that it was his right to record what he wanted. Well, we were both right. The bottom line is that no one has the right to record you without asking.
A Life Made a Little Easier
Social media keeps us connected to what is important in our lives. Some of the apps on smart phones are helpful. Tablets are easier to travel with than laptops and e-readers are great for travelers. In the end,technology makes life a little easier than before.