Saturday at the shop was pretty slow. Typically there’s two of us, but this Saturday I worked alone because my employee had a family function. Most business owners might dread a slow day but I tend to like them because it gives me a chance to actually talk to customers and get to know them a little better.
One of two customers who walked through the door was having problems connecting his wireless device to his computer. Because he lives in rural New Hampshire the cellular wireless piece is his only option for connecting to the internet. Walking him through the steps over the phone didn’t work so I had him pack and bring his equipment.
After connecting we started making small talk: weather, tall grass, baseball, and how technology is a hindrance. Yup, you heard me right, how technology hinders people and society. It’s not necessarily an opinion I would take but believe it’s the view of many.
He came to the store with a cellular device issue which his carrier denied was their problem. Technically they own the device which he leases. He’s used the same equipment for over a year and just recently changed to a new computer. As it turned out the software had a bug which was fairly easy to work around with the computer in front of me.
Because he needs internet, he’s forced to either move to an area which already has cable runs or be strapped to his cell provider. To make equipment which he doesn’t own work he needed to bring the computer to a specialist. Accordingly, he spent hours on the phone and drove an hour to my shop. Rather than simply plug in and go he was burdened to find someone who could make it work.
During the conversation he pulled out his cell phone then pointed to his truck. His granddaughter was busy texting in the front seat while he was in the store. He told me she opted to go for a ride but didn’t speak a word and text messaged the whole drive. His point was cell phones limit personal contact that once was necessary.
I know of at least a handful of businesses in my daily travels that limit phone usage in their stores. One of those stores is in Gardner and prominently displays a sign stating “Please enjoy your cell phone outside.” I know firsthand how frustrating it is being interrupted while someone receives a call in the middle of explaining an issue.
My New Hampshire customer admitted to only having a cell phone, but doesn’t like the idea he can be reached anywhere and at anytime. While in the store he received a call and immediately silenced the ringer to give me his undivided attention. His whole notion of hindering phone calls came to light as he clicked the button.
This gentleman presumably grew up with a rotary dial phone on a party line. For those too young to know, a party line shared the same number with several houses. It was up to the neighbors not to listen and pick up based on the appropriate number of rings. When people left their homes the only communication was actual face-to-face talking.
It’s not too often I write opinions, but I figured because it’s not necessarily my opinion the topic’s fair game. My personal belief is that technology isn’t a hindrance and helps society as a whole and using technology appropriately and responsibly means not overusing. At the end of the conversation I had a sudden epiphany that technology, according to him, was almost a ball and chain that he simply can’t divorce or leave.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can text him directly at (978) 413-2840 or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)