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technology and the human struggle

Like most people, I have a variety of interests. In my last post I explained how technology was simply my vehicle of expression. I didn't come out and say that, but that was the point.

Technology isn't an answer, it's a tool. It's a fallacy to think that computers will replace people. Especially if you're in the people business.

Hospitals are a great example. Technology can do wonders to eliminate human error. In the ambulance on the way to the ER or in a bed and stable. Emergency or routine procedures. Access to a specialist's diagnosis, lab tests, medication and procedure history, etc. All immediately accessible by the health care worker attending to you.

BUT, no one wants to talk to a robot.

Even when we don't care, we usually listen, it is the polite thing to do. When people are hurt, sometimes they need that. An encouraging word or two can go a long way. I don't care how sexy or understanding the robot sounds, there are times when we simply need to share human energy. Some days we just feel a need to be social. When we're hurt, we want people to be sympathetic to our situation. "If you understand where I'm coming from, I'm not alone in this." When we're hurt or sick, the last thing we want is to feel alone.

Most people hate filling out paperwork while waiting to see a physician. If they could swipe my finger, and I controlled who got what, that would work. But who can we trust with that type of access? Corporations are in business to make money, the government isn't supposed to be. I'm not sure I want my insurance company handling all of my private data. Some of it's not their business. It definitely isn't the government's business, unless I want it to be.

There are a lot of concerns about privacy. I am not concerned with what others know about my health. My health is more important than any embarrassment I could possibly feel if others knew. Besides, restricting access will be easier once the information is electronic.

I know some people will disagree with me. Just remember this. We are the only thing that stands in the way of technology. You can't apply old school principles to new school logic. There are no set boundaries. What worked yesterday may be irrelevant tomorrow. Like my bio states, technology will move the world forward, with or without you. Those that don't believe that are standing in the way of progress.

If you aren't interested in having technology change your way of life, I have no problem with that. But please, don't stand in its way. That means, DON'T OPPOSE THINGS YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND OR CARE ABOUT. People want to say, "follow the money and you will find the motivation". I say look for the fear.

People are afraid of change. Anyone that grew up with the Internet and 24 hour TV will probably disagree. They shouldn't. We are all creatures of habit. I'm all about change, until my complex starts mowing early, right in the middle of my walk. Or when blogger stops working for no apparent reason. "I was just on it, dammit Google, this shouldn't happen!" Fear of change is easy to identify, look for selfish emotions.

CYA and the concept of job security also stand in the way of progress. They have a negative impact on risk assessment by prejudicing objectivity.

The over popularity of sports culture has made trash talking a foundation component of our current vernacular iteration. I hope we regress before the next one.

BTW, I love sports and do my share of talking on the court and on the field. And of course, after the game. I consider it positive reinforcement. If I tell you that you can't guard me, I've got my eye on the goal and I believe it's attainable. All that's left is willing myself there.

Sports differs drastically from other types of competitive situations. It is both Physical and Mental. Why is the physical aspect important? Because the exertion effects your mental capabilities. To be successful, you need both aspects to work together.

My early Internet years contained a lot of online posting. The web was awesome because it allowed us to share information. I was naive to think that all of the sharing was going to be positive. I only posted on sites that I frequented. My comments were not meant to be left somewhere and forgotten. When someone posts completely off topic, viciously declaring how stupid another is, I thank GOD I'm not them. It's important to feel welcome at home, even if it's online.

Social networking sites like Facebook allow us to use them as our online home. Apps and feeds, directly to your wall every morning. Oh, and people I like, my greater community, without the asses. If you're mad at someone, you can ignore them. Just like in real life. When you're over it, start listening again. Get sick of someone, drop'em like a bad habit. And the best part, no one else has to listen to their crap either. Just remember, I will delete your comment if I don't like it. This is my house!

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