In All Things (Tech), Moderation...

A good friend of mine is more convinced than ever that our modern world is leading humanity down a primrose path to failure. His biggest concern is that technology is making us lazier. In that aspect, I think he's right. In the past couple of years, I've found myself swinging between luddite and technologist. The best of both worlds is the middle path; use technology, but do not let it use you.
The world we live in is going to move forward whether or not we ourselves are active participants. In my lifetime alone, we've gone from few households with televisions to most American households owning computers (no doubt that has to stick in the craw of former DEC president Ken Olson; way back in 1977, he said "there is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home". DEC has been gone for a while, incidentally). The march of technology is in one direction, and that is more of it.
One can choose not to participate in it, if one chooses. This approach works for many individuals and groups. This is surely their right, one that I will gladly defend. However, if one wishes to live amongst the great mass of Americans and modern civilization, it is important to have at least a basic appreciation of the fact that it is here, like it or not.
What I'd like to suggest is moderation. I'm a firm believer in useful personal technology. By useful, I mean to the individual. It is not my place to tell the individual what they need. When considering useful tech, you must think about what you need. It's like groceries. While that 14 ounce porterhouse may look good, just how much of it can you eat? Is it worth the price? Wouldn't it be better to just settle for sirloin if that is all your budget will allow?
Certainly, the technology companies would prefer that you always buy the latest and greatest; that's how capitalism works. Is it worth it, and do you really need it? In my case, I certainly attract a lot of attention when I write on my old Palm IIIxe and GoType keyboard (both five years old), or more so when I use my beloved Tandy Model 102 (where this is being written, 17 years old!). Could I use a newer computer? Yes. Why? These machines are more than capable of the task I use them for. If I wanted to play the latest generation of computer games, then yes I suppose that a newer laptop would be a good idea. But I rarely play computer games of any sort (guess that makes me a fuddy duddy). The newest computer I own is already five years old, and I got it because it was being tossed. For my needs, the equipment I use is good enough. Why use a tank to crack a nut?
Again, though, it comes down to the individual. You have to decide what works for you. If you feel that there is too much technology in your life, try living without it for a while to see if you're any happier. If you are, then you've found your answer. If not, then you know how it effects you. As I've written in another column, and is oft quoted, all things in moderation. You do not have to let technology govern you. In our world, it exists for us.