Technology Has Complicated Some Valuable Lessons from the ’80s

In today’s world, my children and I enjoy music constantly, whether at home or on the road. However, we seldom listen to traditional radio stations. Instead, we prefer curated playlists or favorite stations on streaming services, and when they have a specific song request—like Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” or The Muppets’ “Mahna Mahna”—YouTube is just a click away.

Recently, while driving, a song my 7-year-old loves played on Pandora. When it ended, he insisted, “I want that song again!” His confusion was palpable when I explained that I couldn’t replay it right away. For him, the concept of waiting for a song to play again is baffling. In his world, everything is available on demand and tailored to his preferences. Songs that don’t meet his standards receive an immediate “thumbs down,” and his favorite shows on streaming platforms are commercial-free and can be paused at will. They have never known a reality where technology isn’t instantly accessible—a remarkable yet concerning reality.

While modern technology offers numerous advantages, I wouldn’t trade my own childhood filled with tangled phone cords, cassette tapes, and the excitement of waiting for a favorite song to play. We experienced life in ways that fostered essential lessons that today’s children are likely to learn differently. Here are a few significant lessons that technology has impacted:

1. The Joy of Savoring Moments:

Remember the thrill of hearing your favorite song on the radio? Those three minutes felt timeless, whether you were parked in your driveway or waiting in a school lot. You couldn’t simply pull out your phone and replay it; you had to wait for the next opportunity to hear it, often leading to a visit to a music store to buy the cassingle. This sense of urgency to enjoy a moment is waning; with platforms like iTunes and Netflix, we can recreate experiences at will. We’ve become accustomed to immediate gratification rather than cherishing the moment when it occurs.

2. Patience Through Waiting:

As a child, my sister and I would often sit by the radio for hours, eagerly listening to Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 countdown, poised to record our favorite songs. The effort required to capture a song taught us patience—a virtue that seems to fade in today’s fast-paced environment. Nowadays, if a website takes too long to load, frustration sets in within seconds. The anticipation of waiting for a season finale to air is lost when binge-watching is the norm, drastically altering our appreciation for suspense.

3. Focus on One Task:

In the past, phone calls required undivided attention. We stood in one spot, often twirling the phone cord while chatting with friends. Today, it’s common to watch TV while scrolling through social media or texting multiple friends. My children are still too young for this multitasking, but they are learning from the example set by their parents.

4. Mystique of Celebrity:

In the ’80s, while we eagerly awaited the latest issue of Teen Beat, celebrities were somewhat enigmatic. They didn’t have social media accounts detailing their every move, allowing us to enjoy crushes without becoming obsessed. When my best friend and I sent a fan letter to our favorite actor, we waited weeks for a generic postcard response. This taught us that life continues beyond the realm of celebrity, and we had to find joy in our real-life experiences.

5. Understanding Our Place in the World:

Voices like those of Casey Kasem and Paul Harvey filled our airwaves with stories that connected us to the world without centering on our individual experiences. We listened and engaged without the compulsion to insert ourselves into every narrative, allowing us a broader perspective on life. In contrast, today’s technology often puts a spotlight on individual voices, with personal assistants like Siri responding to queries rather than simply providing a backdrop to our experiences.

In summary, while modern technology brings convenience and accessibility, it also overshadows some vital lessons learned in the past. Savoring moments, practicing patience, focusing on one task, and understanding our place in a larger narrative are gifts from a time when technology was less omnipresent. For more insights on home insemination and parenting resources, you can visit this link and explore this excellent resource on pregnancy that offers valuable information. Additionally, if you are interested in at-home insemination tools, Make a Mom provides authoritative kits for those exploring this journey.