Powazek: Just a Thought: Abdicatechnology

Powazek

Abdicatechnology
Just a thought from 7 May 2006 about Technology.

I've been thinking about something lately. What do you call it when you voluntarily give up control of some piece of your life, because technology makes it easier? For example:

Automatic transmission cars. Give up a little control, gain a little less to worry about.

Email filters. Save me from spam, even if it's not always perfect.

TiVo. Perfect example. Just tape stuff you think I'll like, ok?

There are more examples every day. In a way, the march of technology is all about the speed at which it takes over the little things we used to do ourselves. Personally, I remember having to take my own messages, have computers and phones tied to land lines, and look up information in card catalogs. I wonder what things I do now that someday some new technology will do for me?

What do you think the phenomenon should be called?

Wha?
This section is called Just a Thought. It's a blog where I post little pieces of what I'm thinking about at the moment. This page is an individual entry called “Abdicatechnology” that I wrote on 7 May 2006.

Before this, I wrote a little something called “The Art of No” on 2 May 2006. After this, I wrote “Calling All Designers: Learn to Write!” on 9 May 2006.

BEFORE
The Art of No
Being a designer is all about embracing the word "no." When we sit down with a blank slate and a...
2 May 2006

AFTER
Calling All Designers: Learn to Write!
I recently had the good fortune to work with a client who asked me to, in addition to doing my...
9 May 2006

The Fine Print

Working the web since 1995, Derek Powazek is the creator of many award-winning websites, a couple of which still exist. Derek is the cofounder of JPG Magazine and the CCO of 8020 Publishing. Derek lives in San Francisco with his wife, two nutty Chihuahuas, a grumpy cat, and a house full of plants named Fred. More »

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