Chris Brogan Challenge : Technology That Empowers Me

As I was sitting in a lonely hotel room, waiting for my husband to get out of work, I was searching the web for new ideas for my blog. During my search, I came across a guy named Chris Brogan, author of Social Media 101 and coauthor of Trust Agents. Mr. Brogan had made a list of 100 blog topics that he hoped “I” would write about. Many of his ideas fit me perfectly, while others I’m not really sure what they are. In all my boredom, I decided to challenge myself to write about all 100 of his topics. This won’t be easy, since some of the topics are a big question mark to me, but a little research never hurt anyone. Figuring in the fact that I don’t write real posts on the weekend, this challenge will be 100% successful if I complete it in 20 weeks. So let’s begin…Day Five – Topic Five(So far, so good)!

Society today has nearly immersed itself in technology. It is a normal everyday part of our lives. But does that technology empower you or have power over you? The answer to this question will be different for everyone and you may answer it differently depending on your mood of the day. For example, I think the “fancy” phones that have internet capabilities are amazing and very convenient. It can be very beneficial to have this great resource at your fingertips. However, it is very inconvenient when your husband’s work is aware of his phone’s capabilities and he is expected to answer emails even when out to dinner with the family.

I also think it depends on your age. How amazing is it that there are now navigation systems such as TomToms? This technology will keep us from ever getting lost or having to stop for directions. Unless of course it breaks while we are on a trip. Now you may discover that this technology that had empowered us to travel without a worry, may have taken power away from you. Those of us in the 30-90 year old range, will know that we can turn back to our trusty old maps, but will the younger generations even know how to read a map? Why learn to use a map to navigate when technology does it for us?

There are many arguments for and against technology, but on the whole I think the progress we have made is good. I think the key is to learn to use technology as a tool and not depend on it too heavily. I personally would be lost without my computer. I love to write and blog, but owning a computer for the last 20 years has taken away from my hand’s stamina. I can only write on paper for about 5 minutes before my fingers hurt. I know it is sad, but at least I know if computers disappear, I can still write. I hope that teachers don’t forget the importance of this simple skill. With more and more laptops entering classrooms, I fear writing will become obsolete to teach. Do you think technology empowers us or has the power over us? What piece of technology could you not live without? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!