> Computers are getting invisible. They shrink and hide. They lurk under the skin and dissolve in the cloud. We observe the process like an eclipse of the sun, partly scared, partly overwhelmed. We divide into camps and fight about advantages and dangers of The Ubiquitous. But whatever side we take — we do acknowledge the significance of the moment.
They shrink, but they do anything but hide. Computers are freaking taking over our lives. Everywhere you look there's a goddamn screen to gobble up your attention. Hell, even gas station pumps have screens on them screaming ads at you! Here's some places that have computers and screens now:
- Ordering food (in the damn restaurant)
- Car HUD (hello, ROAD)
- Airplane seats
- Security systems
- Phones
- Toothbrushes
- Refrigerators
- Microwaves
- Coffee machines
- Guitar tuners
I mean, come on! Everything you look at, or especially interact with, has now got a damn screen on it. Like buttons and knobs and levers don't work anymore. It's gotta be touchscreen. Fudge!
This is helpful information - but it is a bit sad that, to avoid being constantly bombarded with advertisements that distract our attention, we need to memorize the arcane spells to dispel these foul demons. Both the harm and the remedy cost us serenity and focus.
I'd prefer not to get arrested. If your advertising is driving people mad enough that potential arson (I'm a bit suspect of pouring liquid fuel over electronic equipment) is seen as a legitimate response... Well, then my comment about losing serenity and focus is really underselling the damage.
They shrink, but they do anything but hide. Computers are freaking taking over our lives. Everywhere you look there's a goddamn screen to gobble up your attention. Hell, even gas station pumps have screens on them screaming ads at you! Here's some places that have computers and screens now:
- Ordering food (in the damn restaurant)
- Car HUD (hello, ROAD)
- Airplane seats
- Security systems
- Phones
- Toothbrushes
- Refrigerators
- Microwaves
- Coffee machines
- Guitar tuners
I mean, come on! Everything you look at, or especially interact with, has now got a damn screen on it. Like buttons and knobs and levers don't work anymore. It's gotta be touchscreen. Fudge!