Willow Glen Resident

Letters & Opinions

Computers more important than peace or happiness

By Moryt Milo

Well, it has finally happened. All those sci-fi predictions that touted the importance of technology, and how the world will be a better place through scientific advancement, has reached our doorstep.

In a recent survey of more than 1,000 adults, these individuals said their desire for peace and happiness now plays second fiddle to buying a computer. These downloadable music machines, game players, movie watchers and information providers have become paramount for many.

Wow, that is a startling statement about the priorities in America. People are placing the need for a computer over personal satisfaction. Can these people really be saying a fulfilling career and a meaningful family or personal life are not as important as getting a computer as a holiday gift?

Have we actually reached the point where humanity prefers to correspond without talking? That typing now trumps conversing?

Could it be that happiness, which stems from friends, family, relationships and a career, is now less important than having a computer that completes tax returns, provides endless hours of YouTube viewing or websites of information?

This survey implies that people have placed the need for ongoing face to face interaction on the back burner. That e-mail, instant messaging or social networking through Facebook, My Space or blogging are the essence of life.

I beg to differ. The survey has to be flawed. At least I hope so.

Purchasing a computer may be the No. 1 gift buying choice for 2007, but how could someone consider that more important than happiness or peace?

True, computers are the fuel that powers the world of today and tomorrow, but these machines are nothing more than tools, no matter how much convenience they provide.

Heaven help us if we begin seeing machines as the component that drives the moral fiber of humanity. I can't imagine any human being saying I am completely at peace or happy because of my PC or Mac. No matter how empowering this technology is, let's hope the world never sees this handy tool as the replacement for happiness or a substitute for peace.

After reading this survey, I was immediately reminded of the first Terminator film.

This 1984 film about man's love affair with technology gone wrong culminates in a futuristic war between men and machines. Hopefully that plot is still farfetched and decades from now cyborgs are not ruling the world. But we better not lose sight of those basic threads that bind the fabric of humanity.

Sure, it's great to live in a world where the speed of e-mail and instant messaging are lifesavers in today's fast-paced environment. No doubt, logging on to view breaking news brings the world closer together. But computers are still just machines and will never replace picking up the phone to talk to a family member. Nor will they ever replace the day-to-day experience of a career that is gratifying and meaningful. And a PC can't match the sense of happiness that comes from spending time with friends.

So I am convinced this survey must has been misrepresented. Computers may be the No. 1 gift on the holiday wish list this year, but a desire for peace and happiness shouldn't be on that list at all. Those wishes have nothing to so with the holiday season; they should be something we seek out all year round.

Moryt Milo is the editor of the Willow Glen Resident. She can be reached at 408.200.1051 or via e-mail at mmilo@community-news papers.com.