How many times have you spent an entire day behind a video game or the computer, not necessarily being a bum, but doing things that you consider to be productive through the internet or technology? I love gadgets, and please don’t virtually punch me in the face for this, but does anyone else get the feeling that some companies/people have taken technology too far ( think virtual bra fittings… how would that work)? I am a product of the techy era and I feel like we have expanded as an entire community with billions and billions of people connected through internet space, but some things I (try to) stay away from even though these things have become common when it comes to changing everyday habits through technology.
Internet Dating
I tried ( for one week, recently), and failed miserably. My thoughts were like most. People aren’t just going to make an online profile and go through that much trouble, just to find someone to “have fun with”, with no relationship thoughts in the future. Wrong! Creeps are everywhere and I allowed them into my cellpho
ne and iPad memory, which was a waste. So you could pretty much be played in real life, and online. The only plus being that you can Google them as soon as they pop up on your screen. And don’t even get me started on the possible “catfishing”.
Exercise Online
I saw this one on television. The premise is that you are assigned a personal trainer online who you report to every week with your progress. You pay as if you are meeting this personal trainer in person, however you don’t and the only thing that you two exchange are files full of healthy food choices and maybe phone numbers for text encouragement. This is where my problems starts.
Remember in school when you took a test online, with your textbook or your friend sitting directly next to you, helping you cheat? Same goes here. If I am in serious need of encouragement and actual exercise, I would want it in person. Because there is going to be a day, when my personal trainer tells me to go run two miles, and instead I walk two steps to the banana pudding in the kitchen.
Actual Relationships Online
About a month ago, a story was brought to my attention about a man inviting his virtual girlfriend, by way of Nintendo DS, to his actual, in the flesh wedding to another woman in Japan. Really? I was blown away. Have we stooped that low people? The wife-to-be saved the day for me however, by smashing the Nintendo DS to bits and pieces after they were married, but not before NeNe Anegasaki, which was the name of the virtual girlfriend, was given a place setting at the reception. Craziness.
Cleaning
Has anyone seen those iRobots, or Roomba cleaners? They are pretty much Jetson-style vacuum cleaners that are made to clean up your house for you, giving you more time to exercise online before going on your virtual date.
But even though some of us have used and abused our good friend, technology, there are some things that are great to have virtual access to, such as online college courses, magazines and books ( unless you are a signature freak like me, and like to get your books signed at readings), bill paying, Skype, cellphones ( I’m dead without it, and that sounds horrible but it is true), and pizza delivery… But I want to know what’s next? What could we possibly do,virtually speaking, to make our lives a little “easier”? Thoughts?
Dana Towns
Dana Towns is a recent college graduate with a BS in Mass Communications and a minor in Creative Writing, so research and writing is her thing. Talk to her at danatowns11@gmail.com.Twitter @DanaJTowns or Instagram @dtowns2
