1) Definitely. I'm a geek through and through. If I didn't have technology, I'd be lost.

2) I don't think so. I still work hard; it's just different work. I get paid for using my brain and not my muscles.

3) I've been using computers since I was a kid so I don't feel unprepared for this world. I do get overwhelmed at times with some aspects of technology, though. There's just so much out there and I only use a fraction of it.

4) It depends how fast it comes. Despite all the change in the last century, it hasn't happened literally overnight. There's a progression of technology and you can keep up if you stay with it. I think people who are less into technology will have more problems. Those who are still using VCRs exclusively will have trouble renting movies in this DVD era, for example.

Interesting discussion, thanks.

Michelle

I'd miss it initially, but I always have believed that technology was the beginning of our corruption and that the Amish doing themselves a disfavor by becoming more "civilized".
I dont' feel unprepared for the technology, just think it is a bad thing for society in the long run, not a good thing.Even though there is less physical work nowadays, there is a lot more stress... which in part is due to our technology..

I see it as good and bad. Bad because I can't seem to get my kids to play outside much. They'd rather watch tv, play on the computer or other video games. The only computers I had growing up where at the computer lab at school. It was good for me because I rode my bike, roller bladed, made snow forts... I also don't like that unless you buy furniture from the Amish then your furniture is only built to last a few years and its not one of a kind. Kids spell check everything so they don't have to know how to spell well.
The good thing about technology is we can multitask which is almost required when its almost impossible to work without multiple incomes. It keeps us in contact with people. For instance I have a sister that can't seem to keep a phone number for very long but she can't always seem to get on her myspace and keep me up to date. Technology allows us to advertise and try to keep small businesses going.

Theres more but this isn't a school paper. lol

Getting a computer around 12 definitely slowed me down. Before that I was always outside and active and then suddenly I was always in my room on the computer. But I don't think it needs to be that extreme. It's all a matter of moderation. My kids will have computers from an early age (my 3 year old started using one a bit this week) but I'll make sure they get plenty of physical activity, too.

Spell check... Yeah... I have spell check on Firefox and not on Opera and I find myself really missing it. I'm a horrible speller. I know there's a way to get it on Opera... Need to take the time to do that one of these days.

I definitely love technology for keeping in contact. My mom is in Colorado. Without technology, I'd never see or talk to her. Though, I suppose it could be argued that without technology we'd all still be living in Sheboygan where we were born.

@boggusmom - Don't worry about writing too much. People can skim if they don't want to read it all and words don't take up much bandwidth.

Benji (my 17 months old already plays on the computer. However,my older 3 don't play on the computer or games all day. When they go to the Y or the Boys and girls club, I don't let them play at home at all, cause they get to play there. STill...they don't seem to have much imagination and don't like going outside...but then I have some special kids here too...