I know, the post tile is rather bait like, however I wanted to stir
discussion amongst you.
As you know I'm a mod of the Linux for Leftists community
so it might be quite counter-intuitive that someone knowledgeable on
computers and Linux would have an anti-technological position.
The thing is, I do not have such a position, that would
be anti-Marxist and most importantly: idiotic.
The problems I have with technology stem from capitalism, however that
doesn't change the fact I enjoy using more "outdated" technological
solutions to my problems in life and "kkkrapital$m sukkks" is not the discussion
I'd like to foster today. I believe as individuals and society we are
over reliant on unnecessarily advanced technology and should
seek alternatives to distance ourselves from this.
Let me ask you: "How reliant in your day to day life are you on your smartphone?"
The question is more in the likes of, how many of your previous devices or items have
been replaced by it? For example a watch, a timer, an alarm, a calculator, a payment
method, a music player, a news reader, a video device and more.
It's an everything machine, and when it fails you that's when you essentially lose access to everything.
Even if I buy a ticket online, you bet I'm printing it out just for that added feeling of security.
I've always been the type of person that likes my devices to be very redundant, so
that when one fails me I can either easily replace or repair it. I also like for
my devices to be reliant and durable as well as well made for the
purpose they are meant to serve.
I have what I would like to call a functionally minimalist mindset.
That's why I have problems with computers and smartphones as they are
not only everything machines for most, they are slowly getting worse
for the mainstream and a revolution isn't coming soon.
So what do I do? Lifestylism lmao
Something that helps me not only enforce a reliability in my life, but also
ground it in the real world as with every future year we are more and more
pushed into the digital. Unfortunately capitalism has made the digital
not a liberating power, but a force of alienation and control.
Thus I try to distance myself very much from social media, and I've been doing
it quite well. Since 2013 or 2014 as quite a young idiot I made a smart decision.
"Social media sucks", and I've never managed to get into Facebook, Instagram,
Snapchat and the like.
Only recently have I've gotten into any kind of social media, like Reddit or now Lemmygrad.
But that is because of you my lovely comrades. You made the places worth registering to.
Thank you.
But returning, I also have a certain love for the material. Something I can touch, inspect, smell
and admire for it's craftsmanship.
I own several purely mechanical machines that have been well replaced by the digital.
I also have old digital machines that are also what I like to call fictionally minimalist.
Like a Casio F-91W watch or a TI-82 graphic calculator. (Solid things, they don't make now 'em like they used to.)
An addiator, a mechanical wind-up watch (I still prefer my Casio F-91W) and get this.
Six typewriters. I have somewhat of addiction to them.
I have to say, all of these have made my life not just more cluttered. But more "real".
I can't describe it, but interacting with them feels more authentic than interacting with a
smartphone or even a laptop. There is just something about them that allows me not just
distraction free work, but a focused mindset on task I've set in front of me.
They make my life weirdly enough, easier.
I've found myself gravitating more and more to these low tech solutions, not
just because of interest of curiosity. But real genuine desire to actually use them
on a day to day basis.
Do you find yourself having similar experiences when it comes to technology?
That it has been more of a hindrance than a help to whatever you are trying to do?
(Excuse me if the post lacks structure or sense. I've yet to get good at proper writing, and not just streams of thoughts.)
EDIT: It seems this post garnered a few downvotes. Please, leave a comment! Let the struggle session begin!
Let go.
There are more important matters to tend to. And this isn't one of them American.
Your country is a mess and Joe Biden isn't fixing what Trump broke. Voting won't do anything, as you already have a democrat president and majority.
Go out there and organize, get your hands dirty, only you and your friends can fix this mess.
Protest, unionize, strike.
This is what will help you.
Not a shitty book poking fun at a dangerous idiot. But actually stepping up to the dangerous idiots and saying that enough is enough.
Please, you're better than this.