So this evening I had the pleasure to see and meet the author Gary Shtenyngart. He was giving a reading from is latest book Super Sad True Love Story. The book is hard to classify, it's kind of an Orwellian romantic comedy. While it is a good book, what I actually want to talk about is something else entirely.
When Shtenyngart, a self-confessed iPhone addict, was asked about his gadget he mentioned something I hadn't really considered in a long time. He said it wouldn't be a problem much longer because he was planning on moving to upstate New York, where he won't have good cell phone coverage and he would be able to reconnect to his "analog self." It was that phrase, "analog self" that got me thinking. It's so easy for us to get caught up in our online/techie stuff that we can ignore our analog selves.
As a child of the late 80's, I've been using computer my whole life. I still remember vividly the first computer game I ever played (The Manhole) on our Macintosh SE, so the idea of an analog self is a bit foreign to me. So much of who I am is rooted in digital. My Job, 8 hours a day, is entirely computer based, combined with the time spent at home I'm probably using computers/ my iPhone 10-12 hours a day. Now don't get me wrong I can unplug from technology. I do read actual paper books regularly, I go camping for the weekend, but I'm genuinely not sure sure how I would spend my days if I had to unplug permanently.
It's an interesting thought that I can't seem to shake or answer, "Who am I as an analog person?"
Wow, its scary how much time I spend on my phone, and on the computer. I work 10 hrs a day at work on a computer, then I go home and take my laptop with me while I bathe. I bring an air card and my laptop when I go camping. Not to mention the money I spend for the digital package for my blackberry so I don't have to NOT be connected. Scary.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting, and important, idea to consider. I value the time I spend away from technology--the days when I don't turn my laptop on and zen out with a book in a park. At the same time, I really appreciate the role of technology in my life. I have a hard time balancing my adoration of Thoreau and my enjoyment of the internet.
ReplyDeleteIn other news, going to author talks definitely breaks into my 'Top Five Ways I Like to Spend My Time' list.