We got our first computer in 1994. It was an Acer and I rem…
We got our first computer in 1994. It was an Acer and I remember when I first got to use AOL kids. I was blown away by the ability to chat with kids in other states and countries instantly.
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It really left a mark on me and since then I’ve always gravitated towards communicating via text. It wasn’t until later that other kids around me started to get online and use AIM or MSN or some of the other stuff by early 2000s.
I was always so tickled by the information you could be exposed to. It was like an edge to be used to using the technology compared to other adults and kids. I had thoughts in my mind that I never would have had without it.
When other kids started getting online more it was even better because I had a way to communicate with then that I felt comfortable with. Ive just always been befuddled by in person human interaction lol. I tend to over analyze I guess.
It wasn’t until recently that I thought about the negatives to growing up as an internet kid, which was brought up by David Gelernter. He pointed out how we’d be taking in so much information, get lost, and forget to go back and solidify the info In mind.
I think he’s right. but maybe the benefits outweigh the risk in this case. I really believe I’m a happier person because of growing up with the Internet and having that noosphere like environment to retreat to when overwhelmed.
Now it’s really jumbled up with a lot of different peoples opinions, social media, and all of the problems that come with it. But I think we will sort it out. I really hope we keep doing cool things and figure out how to be as inclusive as possible.
Im just incredibly thankful to meet and be able to talk to everyone and go through this life never having to wonder if someone thinks the things that I do. Nobody is 100% me, but Ive never talked to 1 person that I couldn’t find common ground with. ♥
I guess I’ll end this thing with that I believe technology will always ultimately be good. There will undoubtedly be some dark moments and bad actors, but I think there are so many good people that WAY tilt the scales in favor of goodness compared to bad.
I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone who is working on being the good in the world and building the next great piece of the technology puzzle. Much love to everyone out there. -Evan