Patience builds character. So does hunger. It heightens the level of appreciation when the desired outcome is finally experienced. The subdued flavors and inferior textures of food heated at rapid-fire speed in the microwave become more vibrant and have a superior consistency when heated more slowly in the oven. The loquacious sizzle of the savory steak, the subtle crispness of the macaroni's surface, the broccoli's "al dente" that necessitates thorough mastication yet easily gives way to the fork's tines. All of this makes for a livelier experience with food. And because the food is more "alive," so is the person consuming it.
These thoughts traverse my mind as I witness yet another worrisome news story about smart devices. As the latest announcement cheerfully informs smart phone owners about Starbucks' and other businesses' new pay-by-phone option, I'm befuddled at how willing people are to trust strangers to scan the contents of their phones. It astounds me how little privacy is valued in this society; for these same smart devices can reveal the geographic location of a person taking pictures. I worry and wonder why we make it easy for Big Brother to track our behavior, no matter what the circumstance may be. But I guess all of this worry over privacy is moot when the single-minded pursuit of everyone seems to be convenience at all costs.
Not that I'm above the desire for convenience. Many times I've narrowly escaped the captivity of temptation set out by the corporatocracy as it launches its envoys of gleaming technological trinkets boasting all the latest bells and whistles. It's no small feat avoiding the peer pressure as I witness everyone and their mom surf the Web at any given time or place. The allure is strongest during conferences--which, for me, amounts to 3-4 times a year--where navigating unknown neighborhoods and meeting up with colleagues is increasingly encumbered by my "less-than-smart" phone.
Not that I'm above the desire for convenience. Many times I've narrowly escaped the captivity of temptation set out by the corporatocracy as it launches its envoys of gleaming technological trinkets boasting all the latest bells and whistles. It's no small feat avoiding the peer pressure as I witness everyone and their mom surf the Web at any given time or place. The allure is strongest during conferences--which, for me, amounts to 3-4 times a year--where navigating unknown neighborhoods and meeting up with colleagues is increasingly encumbered by my "less-than-smart" phone.
But speed and convenience have a price. In the case of the microwave, the price is missing out on food's fullest gustatory potential. With technology the price, I fear, is far greater. And as the platoon of smart phones forges on, I grow alarmed at the bombardment of problems that seem to surface with these devices. Yet, I feel alone in my worry as I witness everyone else clamor for the latest features, upgrades, and applications. It's doubtful that any warnings about the permanent loss of privacy being an irreversible consequence of this smart technology--or any technology for that matter--will be heeded.
So at this point, I don't anticipate many people protesting when being watched by one's aps becomes a common occurrence. Not even if it evolves to the level of Kinect's face- and voice-recognition capabilities or if it feeds into the federally-mandated monitoring of private citizens--if it hasn't already. Nor do I expect an uproar from the citizenry when technology perfects the weaving of espionage capabilities with medicine. And sadly, I feel that people's laziness will not only preempt them from shunning mind-reading computers, it will drive them to pay top-dollar for pre-orders of these "technological advances" before they even hit the market.
My growing concern about privacy is compounded by a mounting awareness of the geopolitical consequences of our plowing through a never-ending succession of smart phone upgrades, including its contribution to the widening U.S. trade imbalance with China, its role in an increasing number of conflicts within the developing world, and the dirty reality of how smart devices are recycled.
My growing concern about privacy is compounded by a mounting awareness of the geopolitical consequences of our plowing through a never-ending succession of smart phone upgrades, including its contribution to the widening U.S. trade imbalance with China, its role in an increasing number of conflicts within the developing world, and the dirty reality of how smart devices are recycled.
I've always found the sound of sizzling grease to be appealing. Yet as I retrieve the crackling steak from the oven, I handle it with caution lest the overly-excited meat sends projectiles of oil onto my vulnerable, barenaked hands. Likewise, as others charge toward the crossfire of technology with its onslaught of consequences and marvel at the latest milestone in Apple aps, I'll take a cue from Thoreau and retreat to the enclave of more simplified living. Because when all is said and done, patience may be our only redemption from the blitzkrieg emanating from smart technology. And simplicity may the key to that deliverance.
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