satan ? robot
By RJ Hodgkinson
We’re surrounded by technology. It keeps our hands
smooth and our blood caffeinated. It drags us closer
to the heavens, deeper into ourselves and through the
imaginations of others. There’s technology in growing apples, in sailing the ocean and in breaching the
sky. At the heart of just about everything humans
do, there’s technology. And if there isn’t, there easily
could be and probably one day will be. It’s a wonderful thing - not only because it ‘does stuff ’, but because
without it, we wouldn’t be human. What separates
us from chimps? Lasers and motorbikes, my friend.
There has been a lot of debate about how modern
technology will alter future generations. A particular hot topic is in regards to limiting how children
should interact with mobile and computing technologies. Of course, I have an opinion on this matter. I regularly interact with young learner and
have discussed this matter with parents on many
nology like ducks to water. They can independently
occasions, so I just want to take a moment to exoccupy themselves and interface with activities in a
press these opinion. Before I get into that though,
unique way. Every now and then, he’d look up with
let’s have a look at the greater internet’s opinion:
awe in his eyes, and his grandmother would cuddle up
to him and play along. It was not anti-social, it was not
mindless. It was beautiful and human. She noted that
he was teaching her how it worked and that she loved
seeing him so engaged. I really admired that.
I remember my family’s first personal computer, the
tower of which used to grow hot against my little legs.
I remember when we first got the internet, I remember
the first time I heard the dial-up tone and I remember
the first time I used a search engine (I searched ‘hapEnlightening.
py’). As an adult, I’ve never had any trouble with computers. I can naturally find my way around a computAmongst these opinions are two more specific opiner with a bit of experimentation and time. I owe this
ions that I hear frequently. The first is that children
entirely to the fact that both of my parents embraced
should be kept away from computers and mobile
computers in their households. Mum taught me most
devices in order to preserve their humanity. The
of the computing knowledge I have, and Dad went out
second is that life was better in the good ol’ days,
of the way to secure my brother’s and I our own dingy
when milk came in bottles and polio only cost a
little PC, despite the fact that we were poor as dirt. I
nickle. I disagree with … most of this. Obviously.
went to school with plenty of people who weren’t so
Now, in my opinion, to deny a child access to modlucky, and struggled terribly. There was a noticeable
ern technology is bordering on child abuse. I do bedivide. To deny children access to modern technology
lieve it should be moderated and constructive, but
in this day and age is to force that divide upon them.
not at the cost of exploration. The other day at work, I
It’s not a case of limited access anymore, it’s a case of
met a grandmother and her baby grandson. We both
personal ideology. Your personal agenda should never
watched as he casually navigated this tablet computer.
conflict with the opportunities children deserve. You
This little tiny baby human sat tapping away at the
might think technology is somehow corrupting bascreen, popping digital balloons and giggling like an
bies, but you’re an idiot. You may feel like you’re holdadorable hyena. If you’ve ever seen a baby playing
ing your children closer to more traditional ideals, but
on a tablet computer, then I’m sure you know what I
you’re really leaving them unprepared for the future,
mean when I say it’s amazing. Little ones take to tech-
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14/10/2013 12:38:05 AM