I’ve been so engulfed in drawing and making fun designs on my iPad that I haven’t really been on my laptop which I use for blogging. But to be honest, I’ve been all over the place lately, so my iPad isn’t to blame for me not blogging. If not for my obligated responsibilities, I could not tell you what day it is. It wasn’t too long ago where we used to look at the hanging calendars on the kitchen wall to check and confirm the date, but now we just pull out our phones. I literally use my phone as a personal assistant to help guide me through the day.
Advancing
We are so dependent on technology, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We’re just in different times, and people have to adjust. We have gone from the frequent, old school house visits, to phone calls, to emails, to chat messages, to text messages, to DMs, to Zoom parties…to who knows what is next. Basically, communication and human interaction is changing, and we have to accept and adapt to these changes.
Adapting
I understand this pandemic will continue to push technology further and faster, but I do hope we maintain a level of human contact that we knew pre-‘Rona. My family had a Zoom gathering recently, but it was NOT the same. I appreciate the technology and innovations that have helped get us through this time, but this just can’t be the norm after this is over…at least that’s what I’m telling myself right now.
Here are some things I’ve noticed I’ve done more of (since the start of the pandemic) in my personal life in regards to technology:
- Contactless Payments – I have easily limited human interaction (including food orders…I pop the trunk and keep it moving with curbside pickup) when it comes to ordering things.
- Online Shopping – I was doing this already, but the pandemic took it to another level…and I can’t remember the last time I talked to salesperson. If I have a problem, there is usually some kind of online form I can fill out, and things are resolved rather quickly.
- Remote work- Some people have gone 4 months without ever seeing another co-worker. I personally think people are more productive when working from home. Online collaboration tools make working remotely so easy now, so I’m curious to see how companies will move forward after the pandemic.
- Online learning – I understand this is difficult for younger children, but I’ve been in online classes before where I never talked to the teacher. I’m currently attending YouTube University (unofficial school), and I don’t know any of my “professors”.
- Telehealth – Doctors are holding more appointments and consultations by video. I can definitely see this becoming more common.
- Banking – Do people still go to the bank? I have like four or five ways to send and receive money without talking to a single person.
- Legal Stuff– Technology has made it so easy to sign legal documents online now. There have been a few cases where I’ve had to mail in documents, but most legal matters are moving online as well.
- Concerts, parties, and entertainment – Besides the live Instagram and Twitch DJ sessions, I’ve streamed performances, and been to a Zoom party or two filled with people I didn’t know. I also tune into the Verzuz Battles, which are essentially online concerts.
This is just what I’ve experienced so far in regards to using technology. Businesses are investing more into robots and drones, and I saw some 3D printed chicken nuggets the other day on the news. And, let’s not forget all of the talk of 5G technology.
I’m adapting, but some things I just can’t embrace yet (like printed nuggets…um, yea…that would be a NO.)
Embracing
Now is not the time to fall behind on technology. It is going to keep advancing at a faster pace, so you might as well learn the basics such as updating your software, protecting your online identity, cleaning up your digital footprint, and navigating online collaboration tools and apps. Just like I advocate for financial literacy, I am now pushing everyone who is reading this to understand the importance of digital literacy. Technology will never replace human interaction, but it has become a necessity for families and businesses in general.
Investing
I’m looking at our current events and thinking about how I want to invest my time and money with these new technology shifts. Now is a good time to learn a new technical skill. I’ve been investing some of my time doing this.
As far as investing money, I am not an investment guru who talks about or trades stocks all day. I’m more of a buy and hold long-term stock investor. So, when I think of investing my money in technology, I first look at the things that are around me that I personally use. Then, I research and look into what the younger generation is using also.
Basically, I buy stocks that I can see myself and those around me using over the long-term. I’m always reading about stocks, but sometimes, I’ll just buy a stock based on my gut instinct. Like for instance, today, after I picked up my iPhone, I looked over at my iPad to make sure it was charged. Then, I decided to turn on my MacBook and write this blog. I have been using Apple products for over 20 years, so it makes sense that I invest in it. So before I started writing, I decided to purchase some Apple stock today. I only purchased 1 share, but every little bit counts, and it quickly adds up. (Note: I set aside money each month just for investing, and I make sure it is not money that I will need for something else.)
Still Learning
I need to make a separate post about my experience with stock investing. I have to figure out where I want to start that conversation. I’ve touched on it before, but never went too deep. I’ve only been investing in the stock market (using an online broker) for a little over two years (not including retirement accounts), so I’m still learning as I go. But it’s interesting how something as small as a tweet or an analyst’s statement can impact the market. I can’t predict the market, but I’ve noticed that the pandemic is pushing many investors towards tech stocks.
Advantage
I heard someone say, if you have a computer and an internet connection you have an advantage. I forget who said that (I think one of my YouTube “professors”), but they went on to say, that our phones are basically little computers, so use your computer to your advantage. Use it to learn and earn.
That’s technically my plan.
xo,
Che
Random…but I want to take a vacation to somewhere tropical…sigh…
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