I have written a lot lately about the impact of technology on the way we communicate and search and find information. In a recent blog I noted that I had bought may first cell phone 10 years ago and it went from being an emergency communication device then to the master of may universe now!
Here's an example. A few nights ago I had plans to take a client to dinner and a show at the Civic Center. We were going to meet at 530pm for dinner and then go see the broadway musical 9 to 5.
Earlier that day, I had accidentally left my wallet at home, so I left work early to get it before meeting my client. I was so rushed in leaving the office that I accidentally left my cell phone on my desk. I realized I didn't have it a little after 5pm...making it too late to really do anything about it. But it left me with no way to reach my client if there was a problem. Rushing out the door, I suddenly realized I didn't know exactly where I was going. As I reached for my phone to look it up on the web browser, I realized that not being able to call my client was just one problem! I had to run back inside to look in the telephone book of all things to find the address! I cannot remember the last time I used a telephone book...I am lucky I even had one!
It was then that I realized just how much I have come to depend on technologies that did not even exist 4 years ago! The world is changing, and with it the business model for media like the the phone book and newspapers also demand change. Will yellow page advertising even existing in it's current form in 10 years?
Free directory assistance is available through Google just by dialing 1-800-466-4411 (aka 1-800-GOOG411) making directory assistance charges a thing of the past. So I just wonder what these services will look like in five years. Will they even exist at all?
Isn't it amazing how quickly we find ourselves not being able to live without our "necessities"! I do still have a phone book in my drawer, but can't tell you the last time I used it! It certainly makes us more dependent on devices and supports our need for instant gratification. Sometimes being forced to go "old school" is not a bad thing, but definately frustrating! I've read recetnly that Google is doing away with the free diretory assistance. Sad for us, I loved it, but they've gleaned the all the research they need from it. But, I'm sure "there's an app for that"!
ReplyDeleteI really think that we depend so much on technology. I wrote a blog last week on how technology has made us less creative. We need to use techology where needed not everytime.
ReplyDeleteI am addicted to my smartphone. I feel lost without it!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoyed 9 to 5 - I did! :)
I just heard that Google411 is going to be phased out and replaced with other services. Just a warning before you start to rely on it too much.