Has anyone got totally left behind in this age of technology….?
I can – use a cell phone (UK, we call them mobile phones), use the internet, atm cash machines, have Sky satellite TV but had to get an engineer in to tune it in. I can also download the photos from my mobile phone or digital camera I have no idea what blogs, facebook, twitter are all about. I wouldn’t know what to do with a wii. I have once scanned my own groceries, but find it much simpler to get a check-out assistant to do it for me. I have never checked myself in at an airport at one of those fast ticket machine things, although I have booked holidays and flights on the internet. I also use internet and telephone banking. All in all, though, I really much prefer dealing with a person than technology.
Over time I’ve had 4 cellphones (from different groups) and one of them was a 911 phone only. I gave them up because I can’t use a cellphone. We don’t have scanning our own groceries in our area (at least not where I go) yet so thank goodness on that. I refuse to use the scanner at Walmart and I understand a lot of people don’t like them either. I refuse to use the airlines (too much waiting in line and standing, and lots and lots of walking). I do not have cable, satellite, fios or wireless and refuse to do so. I do not have anything added to my phone (I love it when someone says they left me a message so I can say “liar, liar your pants are on fire”), and in fact my phone doesn’t even have long distance. What I do is internet for what I need to know and send and receive emails. I used to do messenger but not anymore. I have dialup. What’s great about what I don’t do is that I’ve saved myself thousands of dollars per YEAR.
I love most of the new technology and, because of my job, have to stay on top of my computer skills. I pay all my bills online and it’s my preference for shopping. It’s so much easier to order an item online and have it delivered to the house instead of running all over town. I’ve recently explored using Facebook, just to keep in touch with some old friends but I use technology on an “as needed” basis where for younger family members it’s a “got to have it” item. I use my Ipod quite a bit but it was a gift. I never would have bought one but love it now that I have it. I only recently got a cell phone just for emergency use. I’ve come to hate a ringing phone at home because I’m on it all day at work. We got a computer for my 83 y/o mother thinking that she’d enjoy using the internet but she’ll only use it if one of us is around. I think she’s afraid she’ll break it. It’s something mysterious to her which is really odd because she was the one who always fixed everything in the house.
Many may take issue with your wording of having been left behind. I have had cell phones as I was an OFF GRID home . I was not connected to the system….I therefore would think you were lagging behind in that respect. If I need cash I buy something I need and get cash back. I only use my own ATM at my bank. I had satellite t.v while off grid living. I doubt I will get it again. I do scan my own if I can because I like to. I doubt people don’t or can’t do the things you have listed but more accurately….they don’t want to. I’m thinking of giving up t.v. when I move. I may give up having computer service at home too.Who knows… I have checked myself in at the airport…simple easy. I will have a cell again I’m thinking as I’m alone. I also find it useful to call the store I’m in in order to get those hiding clerks sent to where I am in the store for service.
I can use a cell phone but don’t have one…why do I want people up my butt when I’m not even home? I’m out to have a good time – not to talk on the phone. Self-scan groceries….it’s usually faster to go through a normal checkout – especially if you have tons of coupons. I hate standing there while the thing can’t decide if I put something in a bag or not and have to call for assistance. ATM – HA! Not paying a machine for me to use my own money. Gave up TV when it went digital…and my whole family doesn’t miss it. We just realize now just how many reruns there are on TV…and how many times we’ve seen everything. And no one wants to pay fifty or more bucks a month to see yet another round of reruns. All I miss is “Fringe”, and I can buy those DVD’s. And we DO more things, now. Like hiking, playing games, talking, etc. Airports – well – got me there. I don’t fly. But I do love ships and boats….so that’s ok.
