Chapter 1: The Struggles of Keeping Up with Technology

Recently, while traveling to an unfamiliar destination, I relied on Siri for directions. Siri's friendly and professional voice led me to my destination, which sparked a thought: Why does Siri predominantly have a white persona? I discovered that while there are various regional accents, the options remain limited. Out of 41 versions, only 13 are considered non-white, and there’s not a single African or Caribbean version available. This lack of diversity is a missed opportunity for Apple, which could have embraced a broader representation in its technology.

This reflection made me realize how challenging it is to keep up with technology. Like many, I have a complicated relationship with it, and as I age, my frustrations seem to grow. Although technology has introduced many conveniences, the learning curve becomes increasingly steep. I envision a future where I simply stop learning about new tech, becoming that person who clings to outdated devices like a rotary phone or a record player.

My primary grievance with technology is the relentless stream of updates and upgrades. I used to be satisfied with my Apple IIe, never seeking anything more advanced until it became necessary. Now, I realize that not only does technology become outdated, but there are also individuals dedicated to ensuring that obsolescence happens as quickly as possible. After adapting to one "new" operating system, I soon find myself needing to learn another, and then another. Each time I receive a notification for an iPhone or MacBook update, I know it signifies another step toward needing a replacement device. These updates feel like the straws that could ultimately break my technological resolve. How much longer until my iPhone 12 becomes obsolete?

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Chapter 2: The Cost and Complexity of Technology

Alongside the frustrations of constant upgrades are the technological dead ends. People invested in Betamax, only to watch VHS dominate. Similarly, many purchased laser discs, which quickly became obsolete. When was the last time you encountered someone using a Zune?

The financial implications of technology are another source of annoyance. When considering a new Macintosh versus a Windows-based computer, the price disparity is stark. While a Windows PC may seem cheaper upfront, I’ve learned that I can buy one Mac for $1,200 or three Windows machines for $400 each, only to have the latter fail within a few years. Ultimately, both options tend to cost about the same over time, which is still substantial. The same applies to cell phones; I find myself dropping $1,000 every three years, translating to roughly $350 annually. It feels exploitative, especially knowing the working conditions of those manufacturing these devices and the immense profits tech companies make.

Moreover, I resent the semi-coerced reliance on technology. Living without it might be theoretically possible, but societal pressures make it increasingly inconvenient. Technology dictates our interactions and daily tasks—managing appointments, banking, and shopping often require online engagement. You can attempt to resist, but the reality is that the expectation is to use technology for virtually everything.

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The complexity of modern technology continues to rise, leaving me with devices whose capabilities I can’t fully grasp. This isn’t limited to software like Microsoft Word, with its myriad of features; even my "smart TV" has functions that overwhelm me. In the past, renting a movie from Blockbuster was straightforward. Now, I’m confronted with an overwhelming array of options and subscription services, each demanding additional fees.

Life has shifted dramatically. When shopping, most people opt for plastic payment methods, which I find convenient most of the time. However, I am acutely aware that when a credit card fails to work, the inconvenience can be substantial. With a full cart and an unresponsive card, I realize just how reliant we've become on a cashless society.

The evolution of toys is equally striking. The toys I had as a child encouraged engagement and imagination, while today’s toys often seem to function independently. It makes me question the need for active participation from children when their toys can do so much on their own.

Lastly, I confess that I struggle with understanding concepts like "Bluetooth" and "Spotify." In my living room, I have three remotes, each for different devices, and I only comprehend a fraction of their functions. I often prefer to let my wife handle the technology while I feign distraction with a book. As technology advances, it feels only a matter of time before even my toaster surpasses my understanding.