Technology is something that has been intertwined in my lifetime for as long as I can remember. One of the first pieces of technology that entered my life was definitely the PlayStation 2 — growing up with two older brother’s practically destined for this to happen. Moving on from this, my family amongst my extended family became the first household to own the newest editions of technology at the time, which was during early 2000’s. I vaguely remember our first computer, one of those first editions of the white, boxy and obnoxious computers which was slower than a snail, when I look back at it from now. And of course, dial-up internet! Whomever may be reading this, I hope that ridiculous noise of the computer connecting to the internet replays in your head and you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia.
My first social media platform ever was definitely Facebook — when I was about 12 years old, my friends convinced me to hop on the internet and make my Facebook account. I remember taking photos of myself on my ancient laptop’s webcam (which was definitely less than two megapixels) and using those black and white filters. I basically accepted almost every friend request as well posted updates on my whereabouts, which could of been potentially dangerous at the time. However, this did not cross my mind, because at the time, it was the internet and it was expected.
During the later years of high-school, I basically had almost every social media platform ever — Tumblr, Youtube, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Reddit and of course, Facebook. Despite having an active profile on this ridiculous amount of social media platforms, in present-time, I only use Facebook (minimally), Snapchat, Youtube and Reddit. Nowadays, it’s almost expected to be active on the internet, especially across social media platforms. Nobody asks for your number or your address anymore, it’s definitely all about: What’s your Insta? What’s your Snap? Add me on FB!
Despite my interactive childhood and adolescence with technology and the internet, it’s something I consciously try to detach myself from. In this day and age, technology and the internet can be somewhat of a negative place, with users tending to hack others, the realm of cyber-bullying and growing number of predators online. However, contrary to this, technology and the internet can definitely be something of a positive nature, with wide support networks catered to individuals of certain circumstances such as mental illness, access to a bazillion useful resources and an open-window into the rest of the world’s whereabouts. Technology is something that is constantly ever-changing, imbedded into our fingerprints.
P.S.
Julia Gillard — previous Australian Prime Minister — totally followed me on my old Twitter account once.
References
- Berglund, B. (2017). Parents, Wake Up: The Hidden Dangers of the Internet. Future of Business and Tech. Retrieved from http://www.futureofbusinessandtech.com/online-and-mobile-safety/parents-wake-up-the-hidden-dangers-online.
- Madrigal, A. (2012, June 1). The Mechanics and Meaning of That Ol’ Dial-Up Modem Sound. The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/06/the-mechanics-and-meaning-of-that-ol-dial-up-modem-sound/257816/.
