Over the past few generations, more and more technology has been developed, which was said to make our lives easier, but has it? Technology was to save us time and make life easier for us, but you may be surprised at the reality of that.
Our grandparents or great grandparents were first to experience the radio and television, which relayed information to the public so much quicker. The washer and dryer came along near the same time, which gave our grandmothers more time instead of using a scrub board and hanging clothes on a line.
Then there were batteries for "transistor radios", next came the 8-track tapes and the cassette tapes. Our great/grandparents only had black and white TV and movies, but then color was added. To move along faster, computers have made giant leaps, too. From huge towering machines to items of extremely small sizes. These are to power watches, cars, machinery, rockets, etc.
However, the point I want to make is to recognize how much you and I are all dependent on all this technology, as well as how do we use this "freed-up time". When our power is out, we can find ourselves without the use of our electronic equipment. When traveling in a storm, a power outage causes gas pumps to stop pumping gas. If there was some electronic storm that included cell towers going down, you could find yourself without the use of cell phones, computers, etc. Could you still do your work?
If all our "gadgets" have saved us time, how are we spending it? Some say that since we are now dependent on calculators, our brains have become lazy. Can you still add or multiply in your head? How are you using the "freed-up" time that technology has provided you? Are you accomplishing more? If you use the internet to get information instead of going to the library, finding the right resource and locating the answer, that is saving you a lot of time. So what are you doing with that extra time?
With everyone using social media these days, can you imagine not being able to call, text, tweet, or email anyone? If your batteries die, and you have no electricity, would a telephone land-line still work?
For anyone who lived in Charlotte in the early 1990's, you may recall the Storm "Hugo", that devastated Charlotte. For 1-2 weeks, most lived without any electricity. No refrigerators, no microwaves, no hair dryers, hot water, washers or dryers, etc. So how dependent are you on technology? How would you stay connected with others? How would you cope with personal grooming, preparing meals, etc.? If there was no power, you couldn't pump gas into your car. How would you get to work? How would you get your work done?
This blog is different from most I write, but I realized recently that as I speak to companies about "being prepared for the unexpected", all of us should be prepared as well. Technology is great and allows all of us many privileges and capabilities that wouldn't happen without technology and/or electricity. Still, it wouldn't hurt for you to give some thought to what you do each day, and how you would cope if you didn't have electricity or technology. The bottom line is "we all need to be prepared for the unexpected". Look for good and dependable resources and make a plan. Be responsible and proactive. We all have a brain and should give serious thought to preparing for the unexpected. Technology may not be the answer.
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