A word of preface about this post: relativity.
I was reading one of my favorite sites earlier, and as I was looking at the photos that she’s posted, I realized that things have changed, technologically speaking at least.
For example, for example check this out:
That’s the top of my dad’s CPU. Those slots up at the top are where you can plug in a camera card. You can literally plug in the card from your digital camera directly into the computer, save the pictures on it, and then publish those photos to Flickr without having to get any film developed.
For some perspective, when I was her kid’s age, computers were nothing more than typewriters with an electric screen instead of a sheet of paper.
It’s amazing what 21 years can do.
For further perspective, here are some things that have changed:
In 1988, when you wanted a typed document, your choices included a typewriter or a computer.
In 2009, when you want a typed document, your choices inlcude a computer or an smart phone
In 1988, when you wanted to listen to music in the car, your choices were the radio and a cassette deck
In 2009, when you want to listen to music in the car, your choices are the radio, a cd player, and your iPod.
In 1988, when you wanted to find a book in a library, you went to the card catalog and searched through a bunch of 3×5 cards until you found it
In 2009, when you want to find a book in a library, you go to the computer and put the name of the book or author in the search bar.
In 1988, the President’s weekly radio address was actually broadcast on the radio.
In 2009, the President’s weekly radio address is broadcast on YouTube.
In 1988, the term ‘mixtape’ described a home-made collection of music on a cassette tape.
In 2009, the term ‘mixtape’ describes a home-made collection of music on your iTunes.
In 1988, you listened to your phone messages on cassette tapes.
In 2009, you can listen to your phone messages on the internet.
After thinking about all of that, I, as a 21 year old, am going to finish by letting you know that I’m going to ease into a rocking chair, wrap myself in a quilt, and remenesce about Windows 95 and schlepping my schoolwork to school and back on floppy disks. 3 miles away. Walking uphill both ways. In the snow.
