Friend or Foe?
Too many times has the technology deceived me; masquerading as my friend, my communicator, my lifeline and then turned its back on me. Too many times has the scenario played out where I have text a friend an important message and eagerly waited for what seemed like an eternity for a reply back. Thus, my eagerness grows into impatience and then anger as I think to myself, “Is she mad at me? What did I do wrong? Are we in a fight now?” The convenience of not responding back immediately kills me in such a time of need and doubt – stupid face-to-face communication.
First Time User
I can remember when I received my first cell phone. I was in the sixth grade and one of very few friends who had one all those years ago. Nowadays, such an idea of carrying a cell phone around at that age is not so unusual. But I did not use my cell phone as I do now. Texting, sending and receiving emails, picture messaging, internet access, Instant Messaging, and Bluetooth did not exist eight years ago (as far as cell phones were concerned). Back then, the only reasons I had a cell phone were in case of emergencies and to call my mom everyday when I arrived at school – she wanted to make sure I got there safely as I walked to and from school on a daily basis. I can remember the exact spot I made that phone call from: right next to the brick wall located behind my technology classroom with Mr. Lemieux. I drive by my middle school from time-to-time and whenever I do, I always pass the spot where I made those routine phone calls and can’t help but chuckle to myself as I reminisce about when I was a kid.
When the Student Becomes the Teacher
When my Dad updated his cell phone from a 10-pound brick with an external antenna and a black/white screen to a high-tech Blackberry, he asked me if I would teach him a few things about the applications on the phone. “Did Hell freeze over? ” I asked myself; for my Dad is always the teacher, never the student, as he never asks for help. “This is my time,” I thought. “I’m finally going to be the authority over my Dad!” I excitedly believed. Yet, I guess that whole “wait until you walk a mile in another man’s shoes” saying is right, because all I got out of this situation was a headache and an angry father. It took about 45 minutes of step-by-step repetitive instructions before my Dad understood the basics of texting. Furthermore, he couldn’t figure out how to adjust the different light settings, color schemes, and layouts on the camera-phone application no matter how many times I explained the processes and provided him with a demonstration. By the end of my tutorial, two hours time elapsed and I was ready to pull out my hair. I now know that when a parent or elder adult asks you to help them with an advanced technology in which they know nothing about, the smart thing to do is to just say, “NO!” and walk away.
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I absolutely agree with you on the comment you made about replying to text messages late. I fall victim to it as well, but have to admit that am also guilty of doing it. It’s not my intention to arouse those feelings but I am just a forgetful person. I think that’s a typical story for many of us which made that portion very relatable. Also, the last paragraph in which you teach your father the one, twos of cell phone usage is all too hilariious because again one can easily say that they have been in your shoes and makes it all the funnier. You did an excellent job on this post.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blogs. I can relate when you were talking about your dad. That is my story, my father always wants the newest cell phone, and he has to have a one up on my phone. Sometimes my mother says he is more addicted to cell phones than I am. The funny thing is after he purchases that new phone I must sit by his side until he figures out how to properly use every new feature he has. So I get it and can relate to the amount of time spent. I also really enjoyed friend or foe, because text messaging in this day in age is hard. Sometimes the way something reads is not the same if you were to say it. Beyond that aspect patience is a virtue that does not exist in my world, so not messaging back in a timely fashion would make me bounce off the walls. I really enjoyed the stories.
ReplyDeleteMercedes