Tech Addict

I have always loved technology, technological advances and the opportunities brought along with them. I can't keep up financially with all that I'd like to (such as a faster computer) but I do keep up with the latest available 'gadgetry' and advances so when I can update I know what works and what doesn't and what best suits what I need.

At home I have a desktop pc, a laptop, a netbook and an iphone. I have a wireless network including a wireless printer and that's just what I use. I very rarely need to write or post a letter as I email wherever possible, it's quick, easy and I have a record of it.

I have worked in an IT Help Desk, and helped test company web sites as I apparently have the ability to 'think like a computer does' and 'problem solve logically'. I loved the problem solving but at the same time found alot of the work monotonous and repetitive - just because I can think like a computer, doesn't mean I am one.

I love my iPhone and all that it offers, it gives me the functions of a mobile phone, it's an iPod, I can access the Internet anywhere, anytime, access all my email accounts, access facebook, get breaking news, and the multitude of free and paid applications.

I love and hate facebook. I have worked in many companies in both Wollongong and Sydney, with people from all over the world. Facebook has enabled me to catch up with school and work friends, and be able to find and contact them at any time without knowing addresses, phone numbers - any contact details really. I love the contact it has given me with people I had 'lost' but hate the amount of I time I can simply lose when logged on. It's a great procrastination tool.

Yes I do play the facebook games (thanks for dobbing me in Kathleen), I play the ones by Zynga, they are terribly similar, and monotonous, but I'm totally intrigued by what sorts of information Zynga, facebook and other data gathering companies are collecting, collating and how they might use it.

I'm essentially doing my own research, for my own curiosity as I believe these games are not simply money making devices, although they do make the companies mentioned a huge amount of money. I'm interested in way the games are cross-promoted, rely on your networks and 'friends', and rely on your becoming addicted or being competitive enough to continue playing.

I don't like twitter, and I don't like myspace, I don't see the need for me to use any other social networking sites. Facebook is the one which the majority of the people I wish to be in contact with also use and it works for me. It also doesn't cost me anything other than my monthly Internet ISP fee so that's another plus - if or when they start charging to use facebook I may change my mind.

So that's what I have and use in a nutshell on a daily basis. As for whether I think technological advances such as social networking sites are good or bad, I think that for every technological advance there are gains and losses. Some of these gains and losses may not be able to be seen or measured for years but some are obvious virtually as soon as it is accepted and in general use.

I have the luxury of having lived in a much quieter and simpler world, a world where you remembered what you've learned - not just how to search using google. No answering machines let alone mobile phones with video conferencing, no computers - just books and pens and paper - books and pens and ink have a wonderful smell and don't strain your eyes.

So I know there's no right or wrong answer - as we progress and advance as a society we will lose and we will gain. Progress is constant and inevitable and we have to work with and make the best of what we're given. I think that's part of being human and what we've always done whether with a club, a cave and some animal skin or the internet and performing keyhole surgery in another city. It's the way we use what we have.