Computer Technology-the Pros and Cons

My faithful computer
A Celebrants' lifeline

Having been born in the 40's I grew up during the age that gave us - the movies, both black and white and coloured, television, video, word processors, computers, mobiles, ipods, iphones, email, DVDs and ipads to name a few of the modern technology that rules our lives. As a Celebrant I have to confess that I engage in the use of many of these gadgets to assist me in my work and have certainly become quite wedded to my computer.


Most of my ceremony creation work is on the computer either writing ceremonies or researching information and so on as a result I realise that  I would find it difficult without it! So you can imagine how I felt the other day when all my friends rang me to let me know that I'd been hacked into as an email, seemingly from me, had been sent saying I was in Spain (I should be so lucky!) had lost my wallet and was in need of financial assistance. It was obviously a scam but it illustrated the downside of computers something that is always a concern to computer users world-wide.


Fortunately I have a son who could assist his silly old Mum to sort things out and put my mind at rest and all is well. However, with the worry regarding the ATM scams prevalent at the moment and the awful issue of txt bullying and computer hackers the downside of all this modern technology can sometimes be concerning.


Of course they thought dire things would happen in the Industrial Revolution and no doubt the discovery of fire and the wheel had similar pros and cons to cause our ancient forebears degrees of stress. Although those of my more senior generation have lived quite happily without all the modern technology available today, I think the current generations would find going without them really challenging.

Progress and Time never stand still

Like everything, it is important to apply common sense and moderation when we consider the use of modern technology. To quote Michael Harrington, "if there is technological advance without social advance, there is, almost automatically, an increase in human misery, in impoverishment"


Omar Bradley's also provide food for thought - "Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants. If we continue to develop our technology without wisdom or prudence, our servant may prove to be our executioner."