RobArt Penguin

Daily writing prompt

Do you remember life before the internet?

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I never told my kids that when I was a kid I had to walk twenty miles in the snow to get to school, the old generational lament that the younger generation had it easy, but I did brag how different it was without modern technology. They were amazed to learn of a world without cell phones, instant release movies and online gaming. When I grew up it was a big deal when we switched to a push button phone and gave up the rotary dial. Movies were something only seen in the theaters when they came out and if we missed the showing we had to wait three years to see a commercially laden version on television, which remained a big deal in its own right. My mother did remind us that she grew up without even television and told tales of family gatherings after dinner to listen to the radio evening programs. I do feel a certain nostalgia for a time when technology did not dominate my time. There is a certain fun in waiting for something. Movies were a big event because they were not available. Now, thousands of movies are available anytime with the push of a button. I wonder what my kids will tell their kids of the old days and if their future will be like Bradbury’s immersive video wall (451), with content surrounding all aspects of life. Watch out for AI!