Technology Wonder Belts (Tech-Fit)

Technology is not new but technology updates are diverse and mind boggling. Technology today looks like a wonder belt.

New technology speed, spread and accompaniments pose a challenge to many of us including our youths.

Technology is not leaving the old at ease. Their minds, eyes and strength shiver before new tools assuming a task master in everything they do.

Technology is now more than at any time a chase game. You need to be prepared, quickly too to respond and reasonably win.

 In the words of a science fiction, TV presenter: “what are they coming up with next?”  This is significant for the young and old.

To remain relevant, practical knowledge appears to be the direction of the new world. There is resistance here and there, but no matter how hard cynics try, bear in mind, this is not just another passing phase.

Technology is no longer an adjunct, it bestrides knowledge boldly. In this situation, half-baked knowledge is not an option as it will lead to shortfalls.

Take for example basic computer application where a young person may claim good knowledge. The young person should ask himself, how deep is my knowledge? Is it sufficient to allow me pass by? Is it in-depth enough to carry me beyond claims and pretensions? At critical moments, mere claims may fail like pack of cards! Then, good performance is affected. Inadequacies will show. Personal worth and assumed status is lowered Excuse becomes merely a story!

Over the centuries, new technology always carries in its wake excitements with a baggage of over drumming and abuses. The dazzle usually is allowed to becloud the interior that needs to be fully explored and exploited. Is that happening to you already? Please, let it not happen to you.

While some individuals and organizations use new technology, for example, the social media rewardingly to advance their interests, others use it for all kinds of things bothering on their ego and vanities. At the end, when careful evaluation is made, the latter feels defrauded. It means that one should go to the core not the externalities of technology. We are all being challenged.

In our effort to clarify some notions, we embark on interview of youths supposedly between 16 and 22 years of age both within and outside the school system. To our surprise a number of them confess their limitations, to effectively deal beyond superficial knowledge of their phones and computers! They cannot make extensive calculations, utilize illustrative tools, program or make designs. While a number are far and well ahead, others are preoccupied with the vanity dimensions of new technology.

Be reminded that madness they say is ‘better’ during youth. Does this shock you? The vigor and energy of youth make it obvious as intoned. When this drive is used properly the result is overwhelming. A ‘bomb’ Americans would say. Are you using your youthful drive to gain maximally in technology?

Currently, in one West African country about 2.5 million young persons every year seek admission to post-secondary institutions. If this number mainly youths in the age range of 16 to 22 expose themselves to technology, this nation will likely boost of 10 million or more young persons well exposed to current technology. They will become hi-tech-incubators in the next few years. That surely will leapfrog high-tech economy of any country.

As a youth, where is your Silicon Valley? It need not be rooted in any “computer village” or centre but in your brain and hand. You will dine with kings. When the result shows, tech gurus will visit you anywhere you are. Where did Mark Zukerberg visit when he was in your country? As a sister would say ” every good thing will come.”  Make it real, make it good, make it work.

What’s the message for youths in every locale? Prepare to exploit the diversity of technology. It is not only about phones, latest devices that may not really be different in its essence. Technology is broad, think through its diversity to your advantage.

For the older generation, a writer’s warning goes out to all of us. It is “embrace before one is embarrassed”. This does not require reviews. When one fails to listen, one will become a dinosaur. As we know too well, dinosaurs are admirable, even so, they do not walk in the museums. Their stories are great but where are they now? They are extinct. Never become a tech-dinosaur! Learn and update.

Downside and abuses of technology will not detain us as our intent is to motivate you and not create fears. Does it require repeating that every good thing has a flip side? We encourage you to leave what is unhelpful to the development of the human spirit and living.

Fears, prejudice and ‘ I care less’ have not given the older generation any edge in the use of modern technology. Yet some have risen to the occasion to their advantage. Join these wise men and women.

Remember technology is not new but update requires that you become conscious and practical. Embrace and reasonably use it. Diversify your knowledge and utilization. Fear, prejudice to newness, nonchalant shrug and declining physiological status of the old hold no advantage.

 Youths should advance beyond vanities and glitters to higher proficiency, efficiency and effectiveness in technology. That is the practical, rewarding way to go – TechFit.

Best wishes.

“Don’t be a tech dinosaur.  Dinosaurs do not walk even in museums” “Youths should advance beyond vanities, and glitters to proficiency, efficiency and effectiveness in technology.