Chapter 1: The Unexpected Arrival of Technology

Recently, my friend gifted us a television. Being a tech enthusiast, they had very specific requirements, leading to a massive unit that now dominates our living space. With my growing need for larger fonts and better visuals, it should enhance my gaming experience—once I find the time, of course. The kids are thrilled, as you might expect.

As for me? I find the allure of a TV appealing until it’s actually in the house, and then I seldom watch it. Since its arrival, I’ve only managed to see one movie. Instead, I prefer to write, read, or simply unwind. I can easily spend time doing nothing without feeling bored.

The television has been a blessing in disguise, providing entertainment for the kids and giving me a break from incessant chatter. I appreciate having it around, but that changed this morning.

While we were preparing for school, engaged in conversation, Google decided to chime in—despite the TV being off. Apparently, a day of inactivity left it feeling neglected? I found this unsettling and downright creepy. I have no interest in desperate devices, whether they’re technological or human.

Consequently, I’ve switched off the TV at the power source until needed. If I could power down my smartphone completely, I would, though I rely on it for emergencies since I don’t have a landline. I admit, I sometimes wish I could disconnect. Thankfully, my phone hasn’t interrupted our discussions—though I’ve intentionally disabled most voice activation features.

The idea of devices eavesdropping is unsettling, though not driven by paranoia. I have nothing to conceal; my life is quite mundane, which is perfectly fine. However, the thought of being surveilled, especially as a single parent, is disconcerting.

This situation has prompted me to reassess my gadgets. Surprisingly, I’m relieved that we don’t own the latest technology. My financial limitations have turned into a blessing; I can disconnect from the constant connectivity that many people experience today.

While I appreciate the internet, I cherish the ability to unplug and be unreachable when I choose. If I ever have the means to buy the latest gadgets, this experience reminds me that I might prefer to remain disconnected.

Chapter 2: The Value of Living Without Constant Connectivity

Being older than Google has its perks. I don’t feel the pressure to be perpetually connected. I fondly recall a time when we weren’t glued to our screens 24/7. I remember playing outside, waiting a week for our favorite shows to air, and watching commercials. We recorded programs to catch up later, and reruns were our go-to for missed episodes.

Streaming services were nonexistent, and I recall when cell phones were a novel concept—those enormous car phones that only a few people owned. I’m not advocating for a complete technological regression, but I am reconsidering how much tech I allow into my home and in what capacity.

In truth, I don’t have a fondness for smart devices, and I doubt I ever will. Growing up in a less tech-saturated environment has helped me maintain a healthy perspective on technology. It serves its purpose without dominating my life—another benefit of being older than Google.

Chapter 3: Smart Gadgets and Their Intrusiveness

In this video, the presenter discusses the importance of understanding smart gadgets before incorporating them into our lives. It underscores the potential privacy concerns and the need to maintain control over technology.

Chapter 4: The Future of Home Automation

This video offers an immersive tour of a fully automated smart home in 2023, showcasing the conveniences and potential drawbacks of living in a tech-dominated environment.