Power

By Steve Goldbloom

Like most people, I seem more fun on the Internet.

Have you ever considered how many hours we devote to filters, tags, likes, shares and other virtual currencies of validation?

I barely remember who I was before mobile technology—how I killed time between moments. I miss the spark of imagination that comes from being bored.

Being bored is a lost art now. Same goes for observing and listening. I mean really listening to people, especially strangers.

I miss being scared at parties, without the aid of a gadget to look busy.

My parents forbade me from going to a friend’s house to play video games. Now kids stay in and watch people they’ve never met play video games.

When did sharing an experience become more valuable than experiencing it?

You could say technology has created a culture of convenience. But you have to admit, it has turned us into an odd bunch.

The other day I had to double park my Prius for a minute so I flicked on the flashers and pulled over. In seconds, a strange woman opened the door and piled into the back seat.

She looked up from her phone and said “Oh, you’re not the Uber.” “No,” I said. “I am not Uber.”

Next time, I think I’ll keep going, if only to see who breaks first.

In your own struggle with technology, who or what is winning? 

Does technology increase or decrease your personal power?

Steve Goldbloom is a writer, producer, and performer best known for creating and starring in the PBS comedy series Everything But the News (2014).