Technology, Necessary Evil, or Life Blessing?

I was just commenting on a photo of a Gather member's daughter, and a silly memory came back to me.  My son, Alex, used to be terrified of the video camera.  I finally understood why, when he revealed his fear that he would be "in the tv".  How wonderful it would be to get into their minds and see exactly what they think about so many of the new technological products!  What would people from a hundred years ago think about where we are today?

My Mom used to work in a prison.  She told stories of people getting out, after five years or so, and not knowing how to use anything.  They had never seen cell phones, computers used to be as large as many desks these days.  Video cameras had to be lugged on one's shoulder, whereas now, they can be hidden in the tiniest area.   I can imagine how frightening and overwhelming it must be, to go fill out a job application, for instance, and find out that it is all done on a computer.

We have come so far with technology in my lifetime, and I'm not that old!  Even my children lived in the days before everyone had a computer and cell phone.  They knew how to rewind and play the VCR, long before many of us had ever heard of the dvd player.  I used to record my favorite songs from the radio onto a cassette tape.  Our kids grew up with cds, and now digital music, loaded on MP3 players.  Even the difference between when my oldest son was born, almost sixteen years ago, and when my youngest son was born, eight years ago, is tremendous.  My youngest was born with the tiny digital video camera filming his first nap, his first smile, his first step.  He had no reason to be afraid, as he had known cameras to be part of his entire life.

I hear many people fear and get annoyed by all of the new technological advances.  Many people in my Mom's generation are just now getting comfortable with the idea of using a computer.  My Dad still doesn't like the idea of cell phones, and doesn't use one.  To my kids, all of these inventions are no big deal, just a part of every day life.  I'm here in the middle.  I am fascinated with technology.  I love jumping on the bandwagon when new products are released.  I have taken apart and put together computers, to get the ultimate performance, and basically, just for fun!

Who knows where technology will take us next?  However one feels about it, it is here to stay.  We are curious people, smart people, and we love seeing what one can dream up and bring into reality.  Personally, I'm excited to see where we will be in ten years.  Where will we be when I'm elderly?  Will I even need someone to cook for me, or will it be done automatically?  Will they offer robotic knees to replace those affected with arthritis?  Will my children ever have to worry about such things as cancer, or will we find a cure, through the latest technological advances?  I guess only time will tell, but I am anxious to jump in and enjoy the ride.  How about you?  Will you still be using a rotary dial phone ten years from now when we can simply walk in a room and say, "Call Reina" to phone our sister?  

I would love to hear opinions from all sides of the spectrum.  Is technology a necessary evil, or a wonderful blessing?  Is it ruining our personal relationships, or improving our quality of life?  Can it do both?