I’ve been around over half a century…

So when I think about inventions, I had to google it because there have probably been a lot of them. The term “google it” for one.

The internet is up there as one of the most important inventions of the last 50-plus years, and computers as well. Computers that are now the size of a wallet (and much, much smaller), that we take with us everywhere we go. Indeed if I don’t have my phone with me, I feel disconnected. Think about driving to the store or going on a trip somewhere *without your phone*. Have you done this recently, or ever??

I’m old enough that I remember never having one. I know what it’s like to have a tire blow out on the highway, driving up a mountain, my two little ones strapped into the car seats. Sans phone. I pulled over and started getting stuff out to change the tire. A trucker pulled over, stopping to help me. I’ve also run out of gas accidentally (old car, bad gauge), and had to walk to someone’s house- a complete stranger!- to use the phone, again with two little ones in tow. They let me make my SOS call, and offered us shelter in their home, on their couch, watching TV with them until our ride came.

I know that the internet gives us a certain type of connection. This one, in fact! But there is something to be said for regular, in-person, face-to-face contact with other people. I’d argue that we are losing that, very quickly.

I am the first to admit that I’m on my phone a lot. But have you ever been in a restaurant, and looked up to see a table of people sitting around with their nose buried in their phone, thumbs swiping across the screen, eyes ever-so-slightly glazed over… it’s weird.

So while the computer and the internet are very important inventions of my lifetime, are they the best?

Time will tell.

Do you think we’re better off with the internet? Genuinely? I think, sometimes yes and sometimes no. But I’d love to hear your thoughts.