Is the world getting really hard to understand?

[Oldeagle66]

It's gotten harder to remain computer literate and protect myself and my equipment. I learned to use computers in the mid-80s and have steadily progressed since then. I've become more immersed in the Web, changed my equipment infrequently, became adept at online shopping, increased the security of passwords, learned to correct problems and make repairs, increased my knowledge in cyber security, studied to more closely monitor identity theft and had to upgrade sometimes just to keep doing what I'm going.

It's taking more research and more brain strain to stay on top and monitor and manage everything. Despite my experience and capabilities, enjoying and managing my cyber life is rapidly getting beyond me and more confusing and more complex. Lately, I've wondered if one day I'll go offline permanently and be free again. I've wondered if I could really do it. My regular life and my online life seem to be so inextricably enmeshed that I can't see it being possible.

I learned around the same time and yes I agree. I think I'm pretty good but still learning new things and constantly trying, and sometimes even giving up on things. Plus just the basics are fine with me now.

 

[horseless carriage]

Whenever I have to make a car journey that's new to me, I open a road map, see my destination, and drive there. Satnav, you mean that wretched thing with the screechy voice that gets p*ss*d off with me if I don't follow instructions to the letter?
It goes: (heart-felt sigh,) followed by: "When it's safe to do so, make a U-turn."

E-mails: It p*ss*s me right off how clients will send a million different notes, links, and files spread out over fifty different emails. E-mails? I still send handwritten letters.

Cell phones: "You'll get square eyes!” we were told if we sat for hour after hour glued to the TV. You ignored it, of course. It was just something parents said. Fast-forward a few decades and now we are in a world where screens aren’t fixed pieces of furniture, but lay around on the kitchen table, on the sofa, by the bed, constantly accessible.
The trouble is, smartphones and tablets are not only TV's, they are chat rooms, shopfronts, banks, cameras and photo albums. We use them to work and play, to record physical activity and monitor sleep. We, (well not me,) even use them as pay by phone scanners, to pay for purchases. Is the world getting harder to understand, I have no idea, I got left at the starting gate.

 

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

Plus just the basics are fine with me now.

I'd be happy with that too. Unfortunately, sometimes the basics stop working well or securely as frequent technological updates continue to occur. There have been times when I've been forced to move up to keep up but I'm not one to upgrade and change just for the fun of it.

For instance, my desktop computer is moving up on 10 yrs old. It's been working well from when I bought it new. Not long ago, I was able to install Win10, going from original Win7, which wasn't a necessary upgrade. Then I maxed out the RAM and bought a new, refurbished monitor. As long as it keeps serving me well, I hope to take it to my grave, or my cremains urn.

But sometimes, to remain reasonably functional, technological software updates have to be done, depending on what a person is involved in on the Net. I am working everyday now to become less involved with websites and programs. I will be paring back from now on in any way that I can. Sometimes, I wish I had never learned to use the computer but would probably do the same thing if given another chance.

 

[HermitHogan]

I love GPS maps. My phone (actually, an app on my phone) tells me exactly how to get to my destination and even how much traffic I can expect, and also, alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic. That's a hell of a lot better than trying to look at a folded up paper map while driving.

 

[Oldeagle66]

I love GPS maps. My phone (actually, an app on my phone) tells me exactly how to get to my destination and even how much traffic I can expect, and also, alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic. That's a hell of a lot better than trying to look at a folded up paper map while driving.

I actually like the folded maps and have quite a few. I don't even mind getting lost. Some of the best and unexpected surprises were found this way.

 

[CooCooforCoCoPuffs]

I actually like the folded maps and have quite a few. I don't even mind getting lost. Some of the best and unexpected surprises were found this way.

Me too, I love folding maps and seeing more information makes me keep more information in my head it seems.
Map information, the on paper hard copy stuck in my brain easier and kept me oriented permanently, remembered forever, like phone numbers I memorized.

Computer generated information does not stay in my head very long at all.

 

[CooCooforCoCoPuffs]

I miss simple cars that I can work on, maintain myself, fix MYSELF without a degree in IT. I miss mechanical things in general.

 

[Repondering]

I like paper road maps too. My tech savvy is just sufficient enough to navigate my way through my modest level of participation in the modern world.

 

[papa tiger]

Aw the more humans alive the more problems there are.
Sure, our numbers are not necessarily a great point.
Would you swim a wide deep fast flowing river to shut off a Fire hydrant leaking valve?
Would you mail em a plain white envelope with a note inside.
Would you even care? Would you call 911 and complain about it?
Or dismiss, forget it!
Most likely the Authorities would suspect you of breaking it.

 

[Twostep]

Here's how I'm getting through the insanity:
The world has become someone's cartoon. We are all forced into it. It takes place in Gotham and stars such characters as Penguin and Lex Luthor, a wealthy oligarch. World Wide Entertainment (WWE) wrestling writes the script. That's what the world is now, a psychotic delusion. If I described this phenomenon more I'd get in trouble.

WWE is a business so is education.

 

[spectratg]

It's gotten harder to remain computer literate and protect myself and my equipment. I learned to use computers in the mid-80s and have steadily progressed since then. I've become more immersed in the Web, changed my equipment infrequently, became adept at online shopping, increased the security of passwords, learned to correct problems and make repairs, increased my knowledge in cyber security, studied to more closely monitor identity theft and had to upgrade sometimes just to keep doing what I'm going.

It's taking more research and more brain strain to stay on top and monitor and manage everything. Despite my experience and capabilities, enjoying and managing my cyber life is rapidly getting beyond me and more confusing and more complex. Lately, I've wondered if one day I'll go offline permanently and be free again. I've wondered if I could really do it. My regular life and my online life seem to be so inextricably enmeshed that I can't see it being possible.

We only let something become an addiction if we let it. Just let go on occasion! The world will not end if you get off the computer for a few days. Don't let it take over your life!

 

[DebraMae]

Is the world getting really hard to understand?​

Yes. Sometimes I feel like I'm in some sort of alternate universe and it's all just a big joke. Maybe I'll wake up and be back in the normal world.

 

[LoveTulips]

Yes, all of my jobs in office work has changed and do not think I could do it now with all of the upgrades in technology and equipment that used to be so simple to operate. It seems humans are becomimg obsolete

When I started working in an office environment in education, all I needed to know was how to type and answer a phone.

When I left my office job at a college in 2022, I had to know how to type, email, book students in for Accessibility Services on the college computer system for services with a specialist (very complicated) and booking for counselors, know how to send automated reminders to specific students and if you by mistake sent a reminder to the wrong student (which I did), oh, my god, the amount of work to rectify the problem because of privacy laws, my boss was not super happy. Mind you when I used to phone the students about their upcoming apts no problem, but if you put in an incorrect email address in by mistake, you are hooped!! There were two students who had almost identical email addresses and of course, I picked the wrong one.

Also phone calls were done on the computer for the switchboard, so you wore a headset and used only the computer to answer and make phone calls. I had to set up the zoom apts as well for the students and of course, participate in zoom meetings. I'm sure I'm forgetting other tech stuff I had to do, but yes, it is really a lot to learn and know and on top of that, the systems all get updated, so then you have to keep up with updates as well.

 

[Babs2u]

I grew up in the 50s/60s. We were a simple people back then. Now, we have stuff like black holes, black energy, and black matter. Weather used to be simple- it was going to rain/snow or not. Now, it's all about isobars- what the hell is an isobar? I used to be able to fix almost everything on my car with a Chilton manual. Today, cars are crammed with parts and wires, like a Swiss watch.
Do you feel the world has gotten too technical? Is the world getting really hard to understand?

Iso means equal. Bar is for barometric pressure. Connecting all those places with equal pressure makes for all those wavy lines on the weather map. I worked in weather in the 50s and 60s but did not forecast.

 

[Joey]

I just have a few simple choices - ignore progress and live in a cave - our just don't let it overwhelm me - like my batteries just failed in my keyboard - but easy to replace- I can watch tv - play here - sit outside when the rain stops- [stormy weather atm] or do lots of housework - wot wot wot! - I must stop swearing with long words like housework - - I was once brought up and assisted by very tidy women they have all died or left now - don't think I could manage anymore?? women or housework really?

 

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

We only let something become an addiction if we let it. Just let go on occasion! The world will not end if you get off the computer for a few days. Don't let it take over your life!

One thing is that I'm involved in a lot of creative pursuits. While I do physically create things in my home studio and write, half or more of my activities include my computer and the Internet. I wouldn't say that I'm addicted to my desktop and cyber life; but my creativity has evolved, by choice and love, over the years. Art, writing and crafting and other creativity took over my life a long time ago. Thank you for your encouragement. Along with my other plans to modify my time online, I will consider your suggestion.

 

[papa tiger]

When I started working in an office environment in education, all I needed to know was how to type and answer a phone.

When I left my office job at a college in 2022, I had to know how to type, email, book students in for Accessibility Services on the college computer system for services with a specialist (very complicated) and booking for counselors, know how to send automated reminders to specific students and if you by mistake sent a reminder to the wrong student (which I did), oh, my god, the amount of work to rectify the problem because of privacy laws, my boss was not super happy. Mind you when I used to phone the students about their upcoming apts no problem, but if you put in an incorrect email address in by mistake, you are hooped!! There were two students who had almost identical email addresses and of course, I picked the wrong one.

Also phone calls were done on the computer for the switchboard, so you wore a headset and used only the computer to answer and make phone calls. I had to set up the zoom apts as well for the students and of course, participate in zoom meetings. I'm sure I'm forgetting other tech stuff I had to do, but yes, it is really a lot to learn and know and on top of that, the systems all get updated, so then you have to keep up with updates as well.

You're so lucky, your system actually worked well! ... ...

 

[papa tiger]

Iso means equal. Bar is for barometric pressure. Connecting all those places with equal pressure makes for all those wavy lines on the weather map. I worked in weather in the 50s and 60s but did not forecast.

I sort of believe the modern Vehicle is just another sucker trap. A simple upgraded/download to it from an open wifi like at a Truckstop / gas station might trip out the computers associated stuff. You know shut off stuff the puter keeps track of, Cruise control, auto restart, Traction control, Backup screen and help, auto emergency brake on hills, that sort of stuff. I keep my Vehicle WiFi's shut off in them. Never USB the phone to them either. Right Updates shut them off and not throw codes.

I learned about that at a Verizon Store.

I sort of believe /think the worlds .. ( cattle following in the Ant Death Circle ) ... are getting used to being controlled Via Technology.

 

[HermitHogan]

I just have a few simple choices - ignore progress and live in a cave - our just don't let it overwhelm me - like my batteries just failed in my keyboard - but easy to replace- I can watch tv - play here - sit outside when the rain stops- [stormy weather atm] or do lots of housework - wot wot wot! - I must stop swearing with long words like housework - - I was once brought up and assisted by very tidy women they have all died or left now - don't think I could manage anymore?? women or housework really?

What are you using to watch TV on your computer?

We had YouTube TV for a while, but it was like $80 a month, which is a little pricy just to watch the evening news plus sports. Now we just use the old fashioned OTA signal with the tuner built into the TV, but unless I get a separate TV tuner for my computer, I can't watch network TV — not that it's that big a deal, but occasionally I'd like to watch a football game while I'm working at the computer. Oh, we do get CBS through Paramount+.

 

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

I just have a few simple choices - ignore progress and live in a cave -

As long as it was dry and warm in winter and had some type of door, I think I could do that!

 

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

Maybe I'll wake up and be back in the normal world.

When you wake up it will probably be the same.

 

[Joey]

No! have free TV just linked to an outside ariel and laptop connected to tv - so I am looking at a big screen at all times not the laptop

 

[Oldeagle66]

I miss simple cars that I can work on, maintain myself, fix MYSELF without a degree in IT. I miss mechanical things in general.

Yes, and just look at all the plastic all over the street after even a minor accident. Those 4-Wheeled tables are totalled.

 

[DailyArtsyCrafter]

I like paper road maps too.

Me four! I also go on Google Streetview and preview any new route, type up in a large, dark font, the important points, stretches, landmarks, rest stops and interchanges. I print out my notes and tape them to the dash near the steering wheel. As I progress on my journey, I stop and remove each page. It works great for me. I'm really ancient with that! I haven't come to like any GPS. That talking is distracting to me. It often will lead you on unnecessary routes. In most cities this will be the city bus route when you can actually go straight to your destination. I've heard it leads people to dead ends or to nowhere. More power to those who find it indispensable, though.

 

[Joey]

I like your style - inventive and fun!! and it works!!