The Internet and I

Kaira Wong
Sep 1, 2018 · 3 min read

Our family PC was the focal point of the living room. Couches were positioned toward the computer desk that rested along the right wall, painted maroon. Spare chairs were purposely kept nearby for guests while using the computer.

Growing up, the family PC was the focal point of my household.

The majority of my childhood was spent playing outside, but on the rainy days and quiet nights, my brother and I would be found playing a PC game; Pajama Sam, Freddi Fish, or our personal favorite, Spy Fox. As I got older in elementary school, more play dates would be spent inside, playing Club Penguin, Webkinz, and Poptropica.

I set up a FaceBook in fifth grade. Middle school was filled with an array of edited photos, quirky posts, and ‘liked’ statuses for a TBH. I entered sixth grade with a brand-new cell phone and a FaceBook; when I graduated two years later I also had an Instagram, Twitter, and SnapChat. My first Instagram post was a picture of a cupcake, with a caption containing only emojis. The post received a whopping 25 likes. The first tweet I posted was a complaint about a science test (six likes). Sophomore year’s biggest scandal was SnapChat adding the option of stories for a whole day.

With all of the advancements in technology, it came to no surprise at the incorporation of the internet into my classes. My class in sixth grade was the first year to take a standardized test online. When we took the S.A.T. junior year, we were scandalized at the sight of a packet and number two pencils. Every teacher posted their assignments and agenda online for students. Instead of trips to the library for research, we would head to the computer lab. We never had to practice our patience, as grades were posted immediately after tests were graded.

The first time I really realized how much things have changed between my generation and my parents was during college app season. My friends and I edited each other’s personal statements through Google Docs without having to leave our beds. For three colleges, I only had to fill out one application, thanks to CommonApp. Instead of opening a letter of congratulations, I clicked on a link in my email and confetti appeared on my screen.

A big part of my high school career was shaped around social media. I knew all about the lives of my classmates, despite never having a full conversation with them. A girl left my high school sophomore year for online classes, in order to pursue her YouTube career. It seemed like high school culture was posting about every eventful thing you do, myself included: track meets were live tweeted, lunch dates with friends were regularly updated on SnapChat, YouTube videos were shared in hallways, and during every homecoming season, my Instagram timeline was filled with promposals, spirit day outfits, and millions of photos from the dance. Popularity was associated with the number of likes received. Through my many tweets of embarrassing encounters due to my clumsiness, I was voted ‘Class Klutz’ for senior superlatives. Perceptions of others were based off of your online presence.

Now, the family PC lies forgotten in our attic. There is no need for spare chairs when everyone has their own smartphone, iPad, and/or laptop. The wall is green.