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Dangers of Becoming Digital
E-commerce, e-mail, voice mail, text messaging, and instant messaging…
we’re “becoming digital” at a breakneck speed.
I never thought I’d see the day when my bride of 20+ years would
be routinely using her cell phone to text her family and friends.
I still smile when I see it.
My wife is brilliant and she’s technologically astute, but
I’m supposed to be the techno geek who earns a living in I.T..
She’s the one who’s always been about the personal touch.
How amusing is it then when she’s texting while I’m phoning?
I credit the explosive growth and pervasive use of
technocom
(technology-based communications)
to a few meaningful developments.
First, the explosive growth of digital communication networks;
specifically broadband, wireless and cellular.
Second, the introduction of a wide variety of affordably priced,
handheld devices offered in a variety of form factors. Third, the development of software applications which have enhanced the mobile computing experience (e.g. handheld devices which feature telephony, voice mail, e-mail, text messaging, internet browsing, calendaring, GPS, entertainment downloads, and much, much more).
Fourth, finally and most importantly; because we’re getting busier and
are increasingly forced to accomplish more in less time.
Our digital devices have
become indispensable weapons in our arsenal to combat time.
The growth of the U.S. Economy for the decade preceding the recent
economic meltdown can be largely attributed to productivity gains
realized from our increased use of information technology.
Americans learned how to crank out more work in less time using
computers and networks.
Ultimately, the technology made it from our workplace to our living
space. The dot.com craze
propelled us and our economy into cyberspace.
Think about it. Words
like Google, Yahoo, Wikipedia, Blogging, YouTube, MySpace, Facebook,
Texting, IM, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, Blackberry and GPS were not even part
of the American lexicon a few short years ago.
Now those are everyday terms and cross-generational.
Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, Kids, Grandkids –
everyone is connected or at
least knows what you’re talking about when you use the technocom phrase
de jour in conversation. I
grin when I hear someone use the word “download” … a word once reserved
for the exclusive use of I.T. geeks.
Generally, I’m an advocate of technology which enhances the quality of
life. But I’m concerned that
users are unaware or choose to ignore the dangers and pitfalls of
technocom. Information
technology is powerful, but not infallible.
A few questions I invite and encourage you to seriously consider.
What measures have you taken to protect your identity and
personal privacy? Do you use
your digital devices safely, lawfully and respectfully?
Are you backing up the data on ALL your devices (including your
cell phone)? Do you remind
yourself that data communication
networks are NOT real-time (i.e. voice mail, e-mail and text messages
can take seconds, minutes, hours and sometimes DAYS to deliver)?
Do you remind yourself that voice mail, e-mail and text messaging
are not considered a replacement for voice communication or personal
interaction? Do you remind
yourself that everyone you’re attempting to communicate with may NOT
have a device or a network as robust as yours?
My fear is that we’re taking technocom for granted as it becomes
routine. We’re confusing
popularity and familiarity with reliability.
We’re becoming increasingly dependent upon technology to keep
pace. The greater the level
of importance and significance in our lives, the more we should be aware
and take care.
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