The Paradox of Technology

I love technology. I love how it can make life easier. I am always in awe when I see technological advancements being made.

Recently, I purchased an interesting piece of equipment called “chromecast”. For $35, this little “dongle” that you attach to your television allows you to stream movies and programs that you can find on YouTube, Netflix or anywhere else online wirelessly from your computer, tablet or even mobile phone. It opened a whole new world of possibilities to me and I’m even getting rid of my cable next month, as I pretty much can find online anything and everything I care to watch. This will save me a hefty $150 a month. See why I love technology?

I also purchased a new phone system; my old one died. I replaced it with a cordless Panasonic answering system with 5 handsets that links to my cell phone and Bluetooth headset, has an intercom so I can call my kids across the house, and even tells me who is calling with voice caller ID. THAT simplifies my life.

I went to the clinic this week. I have a sinus infection and needed to see a doctor for antibiotics, so I went to the walk-in on Pitt Street. Entering the premises, much to my surprise, I saw two touch screen kiosks. I looked for a sign that would direct me to them for registration, but nothing.

I went to the receptionist and asked to see a doctor. She pointed me to the machine and said “register there”. I went to the screen, started by selecting English or French, then went through a bunch of questions about my condition, confirmed my address and bang! “You are now registered”, it said. “There are 6 people ahead of you.”

The doctor was just as high-tech, entering the office with his tablet, inputing my symptoms in it, then writing on it the prescription, which was in turn sent to the printer and given to me as I left the clinic.

This got me thinking.

Technology is pretty cool, but how long will it be before it replaces all human contact? How long before that doctor no longer serves me in person, being replaced by a kiosk who will assess and diagnose me? We are already seeing, in the younger generation, problems arising with social interaction as they are widely communicating via devices, but not so much in the flesh. How long before we completely lose touch with one another?

It will be interesting to see.