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Digital SARS A computer virus wrecked havoc in our systems 2 weeks ago, and like the nearly forgotten SARS episode, it spread like wildfire. Of course this time, the problem was with the affected computer shutting down on its own every 5 minutes after it boots up – System Affected Randomly Shuts down. Similar to the tragic epidemic, the virus otherwise known as a blaster worm, had also found its way into the news. The resemblance scares me, more than the virus itself. Can a bug lurking in our microchips one day be as bad as an actual disease? As more of our lives are being digitised, it’s not difficult to imagine the day when we are subservient to machines like the people in Frank Herbert’s Dune. But even before we formulate such doomsday prophecies, the idea of a PC breakdown is already traumatising enough when so much of our work revolves around the computer to the point when handwriting has nearly become Times New Roman, font size 12, double-spaced – protocol for our work obligations. How many truly can say that we are able to resume a normal life without our machines? Marshal McLuhan would be laughing in his grave today if he found out how much impact the electronic age has made on popular culture, bringing to pass his widely recognised predictions. Much of what we have in real life has found its counterpart on the computer. The typewriter has given way to Microsoft word, paintbrushes to Adobe Illustrator, the darkroom to Photoshop, newspapers to online publications, even sex for the cyber version…the list goes on. Already, I have typed more words than I have written, emailed more people than I’ve spoken to, encountered more people on ICQ than I saw in real life today, and stared at the monitor (not because of my reflection) longer than the cute girl in my class. I suppose many can relate to this, although fewer may have thought about the technology they use in this light. So looking again at physical analogues to the effects of this digital virus, maybe after infecting your computer; your inability to type on the keyboard equates to having your fingers severed, the monitor blanking out would be as good as gorging out your eyeballs, and failing to run an application is like having your biological system malfunction. Plus it’s contagious. So that’s why I’m shaking. Is it ironic that you find in the editorial of an online publication, ranting about the shortfalls of computing technology? Yes it is. But that’s only when you don’t have a life. Technology when used in moderation brings much benefit; the ability to accomplish so much work at breakneck pace is a lifesaver, video games are indispensable, and so is having access to this great e-zine. So unlike us (in UrbanWire) you have a choice.
Get a life, go out with friends, and write a real letter. Perhaps even
smell the grass...instead of your wallpaper of rolling meadows. |
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