I recall, as a kid, my parents, with their friends discussing “The Good ‘Ol Days”. Precisely when were these days, I wondered only to discover that they were those days past, when life was simpler. I’ve found myself reminicing similarly lately. Maybr it’s a function of becoming older when everything in the past was better. Not better in the sense of superior, but better in that life seemed easier to navigate.

Of course that’s not nearly true, my life today is much less complicated than it ever was when I was young. Even though i reminisce about not being tied to technology as we all seem to be today, I can remember being upset missing a telephone call, when we all had lnd lines, and there was no such thing as voice mail. it was only in the 1980’s that people began adding these mechanical answering machines to their home phones so that others could leave a message, on tape. Later on, in the early 1990’s, those machines became digital and then, in the late 1990’s phone companies introduced voicemail for your home phone, negating the need for a box to record your messages. Phone Daddy did that for you.

If any of this makes me seem like a Luddite, well, no I’m not. I’m writing this piece on an iPad, with a Logitech bluetooth folio. This is a small, easily transportable computer that does almost everything I need. If I need more power, i have a 16 gig memory, 512 gig SSD, touchscreen laptop. I’m not a gamer so that, for now, is probably more than I really need for any work I might want to perform.

My point here is that with technology, life has become simpler. The question remains, at least for me, though, is simpler better? Are we healthier, smarter, happier, with our smartphones, iPads, computers, smart watches, VR headsets? Would we be as happy out playing softball in the park, or soccer, or any of a dozen athletic activities available that have been sitting on the sidelines for so long because of…technology?

Since time immemorial, each generation has worked to make life easier for the following. is it possible that there is a wall that can’t be breached to where more technological advancement is detrimental to society? How will we survive without the social platforms we use to stay in contact with and reveal our most intimate life experiences with perfect strangers?

With the advent of AI, we’ll have yo make critical decisions like these sooner than later. What is it you are looking forward to in your life. Will technology bring you the satisfaction you need for your personal success? Are there “Good ‘ol Days” for you as well and what if anything would you be willing to give up today, that you think would add to your happiness?

The time to begin considering is now,