GN Commentary: October 21, 2009 - Death of a Computer

What has all the technology done for our lives? Are we really better off for it? And are we better human beings as a result of it?

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Video Transcript

Well, it's finally beginning to happen. That old clunker, a 2002-vintage desktop in my home office, is beginning to show its age. In fact, I think it's close to requiring a requiem.

I shouldn't complain. It's served me well, and, after all, seven years is an eternity in techy-land. Sort of like owning a 1957 Chevy, except that the Chevy appreciates in value, while the computer ends up worthless in almost no time. 

It began to send me messages. Messages comprehensible only to a person well trained in a second language—tech-speak. I couldn't understand the messages, much less act on them, and I got very frustrated. Eventually I ran to one of our office "geek department" men and pleaded for help. He interpreted the messages, told me what to do, and rescued me from a bad attitude. Thank you, Richard!

It may well last a while longer; after all, it's not quite dead yet, though it seems techy dementia is beginning to set in. For one thing it has forgotten the meaning of the word "fast." Alas, I fear it's now inevitable I bite the bullet and invest in a new computer, replete with the latest software, sure to be up-to-date for at least two weeks, and many new adventures to test my attitude. I'll try to enjoy my new toy. 

All of these computer trials have led me to a more important question: what has all the technology done for our lives? Are we really better off for it? And are we better human beings as a result of it? All the Blackberry's, laptops, cell phones, individual music machines and the like; have they made the world a better place?

It seems we're awash in electronic information. This reminds me of a passage in the Bible that says of these days that "knowledge shall increase" (Daniel 12:4). In another place it talks of people who are "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7).

Lots and lots of information—but little real benefit. Is that what we've come to? The worldwide web is full—of everything, the good, the bad and the ugly. Messages that build us and edify us, information that wastes our time, and material that tears down and preaches hatred.

I suppose I'll be investing in that new piece of technology soon, before I have to conduct a funeral service for the old one. It's inevitable. But one thing's for sure: I plan on using that new computer for the good stuff, and hopefully for the benefit of others. That's the right use of our technology, don't you think?

For GN Magazine, I'm Ralph Levy