A More Meaningful Life on the Computer

Aloha!

In my last article I suggested that we not seek a meaningful life through our computers. In this article, I'll give the counterpoint.

When it comes to connecting with friends and relatives across the miles without making the trip, computers can't be beat. With video calling, which Skype.com provides for free, grandparents in New York can have a real-time video call with their grandkids in Hawaii. This is ideal for remote family show and tell: "Grandma, look at the new puppy we got! Wait! Stop him! He just licked the computer screen!" How it warms the hearts on both ends to see and hear each other.

Facebook, as many of you know, is all the rage. It's a great way to play adult show and tell. Now, now, settle down. Not that kind of show and tell. It's about sharing photos, thoughts and feelings with new and old friends. Many people have re-connected with long-lost friends, made new friends with folks sharing similar interests, and even found romance. Be aware when using Facebook that there are some very significant privacy concerns. Be sure to read recent news articles about this, such as the one at wired.com.

For people with certain disabilities, the computer opens up a whole new world of possibilities, both personal and professional. There are voice-activated typing programs, screen enhancement tools, enhancements for the hearing impaired, and specialized interfaces for other physical challenges. Of course there are also 'bionic' type devices and implants, also computerized, that are providing new hope for people with disabilities. Sometimes these need to be programmed via an external computer.

Since the advent of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, soldiers have been heavily relying on computers as a means to keep in touch with friends and loved ones. With extended deployments, computers may just be saving the sanity of many of our brave and dedicated warriors. Many soldiers are also big-time gamers, which surely helps with stress relief, even if some of those virtual games are parallel the stresses and horrors of their real life. Catharsis comes in mysterious ways.

Even us lucky ones far away from the war zone need to check out, chill out, and recharge our batteries. For many people, the computer is a primary means of doing this, such as watching videos on DVD or via online streaming; listening to music; playing games against the machine, or with a partner in the room, or even one across the world; staying abreast with sports and hobbies; and importantly for many locals, checking the surf report. After all, here in Hamakua we can't just look out to the ocean and decide to put down the hammer or whatever, load up the board and head to the beach. Unless we live on the cliffs near Waipio. Lucky dogs!

Wishing you akamai computing!