The real headline story was buried on page 10 (Chicago Sun Times, October 26). Granted the Bears embarrassing loss and the city's budgetary woes are news, but theyll pass. What won't pass is the 24/7 technology by which our city and our world now lives. And which this helicopter rescue story accurately questions...!
Getting something new and shiny -- like these hikers' GPS system -- can tempt us to overuse them. In this case, the over-used rescue squads in the Grand Canyon call it Yuppie 911. Coordinator Matt Scharper touches a nerve: "Now they can send a message to a satellite and the government pulls your butt out something you shouldn't have been in in the first place!"
This story has legs, because it can apply to the way we use all our handy new technologies like cell phones, phone cameras, websites, tweets, security alarm systems, and the ever-available 911 operator. Each of these wonders has expanded and enhanced our lives, but sometimes at a serious cost. Scrambling rescue squads at the first hint of trouble or videoing everything that looks like a story or flashing out across cyberspace the latest gotacha rumor often means playing with a loaded gun.
Like the kids this coming Christmas -- wearing out their new toys until the batteries die -- we adults can get addicted to our toys too. But here's what makes this story so significant. The batteries to our generation's growing new technologies will never die. These wonderful adult toys just keep going like the energizer bunny. Somehow, someone has to start deciding at what point to turn them off. Right now, that best someone is probably each of us.
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All this technology today personally leaves me in a frenzy. A lot of it, I enjoy, and the rest makes me feel old and "out of it".
ReplyDeleteSo when you write:
"Right now, that best someone is probably each of us."
I completely agree. I think every individual has to choose what "amount" of technology is proper for them and their lifestyle.
Obviously the younger you are, most likely the more "techi" you will be, as you were born into it. But for us middle aged folks, a little goes a long way!
Then again, that won't stop me from wanting the newest cell phone I see! :-)
Ahhh yes, the human appetite for the newest & latest. Well, we're all that way. That's why saying "no" takes practice!
ReplyDeleteAnother winner with "Yuppie 911" Jack. But there is a happy irony in the fact that you use a technological toy to broadcast your blog. I continue to bask in your daily praiseworthy, admirable, creditable, commendable, impressive, artistic, intelligent articles.
ReplyDeleteHave you heard from the Washington Post regarding the "Pundit Prize"?
The "irony" is admittedly glaring!! As for the POST, it won't decide results till January. The odds are pretty long, but I can always hope
ReplyDelete