I believe that technology, as well as the interfaces they use, have had a profound impact on the way our society thinks and lives. As we grow up with rapid changes in technology, we constantly reshape the way we operate and think as we redefine our lives with these new interfaces. Even in the case of literacy, the interfaces we interact with can help enhance our proficiency and our understanding of the English language. Similarly, these interfaces can help our race evolve by increasing our level of communication.
With the evolution of the internet and the highway of information that has resulted, literature is now widely available and easier than ever to obtain. As a child, I never had the money to buy any books, so I would spend many days at the public library. I spent countless hours reading any book I could find, with my favorites being the collection of Sherlock Holmes adventures. I was not even able to take these fantastic books out of the library. While then I had to inconveniently read off of a page, the enhancement of computer interfaces now allows anyone to access these famous stories online, and allows us to even transport these stories on something as small as an iPod. Instead of carrying volumes and volumes of books, those exact same words can be transported in the palm of your hand, at no cost.
Similarly, the development of interfaces has not only improved our ability to enjoy reading, but it has also given us the luxury of writing and communicating with ease. While great writers such as Oscar Wilde and William Shakespeare had to use a pen and paper, the invention of devices such as the typewriter, printing press, and eventually the computer now allow anyone to express their thoughts and share their literary works with anyone within seconds. Just imagine what Shakespeare, a man who wrote close to forty plays, could have done if he had access to a computer and Microsoft Word. Not only would he been able to write more, but the availability of his literature to the general public would have been quicker and would have definitely resulted in greater accessibility of his work.
Likewise, anyone nowadays can communicate instantaneously in the touch of a button. The computer interface permits a message to travel around the world instantly, increasing the level of communication substantially. Businesses have taken full advantage of the email interface, allowing efficiency to significantly skyrocket by instantly sending and receiving important information from anywhere, whether it be a cubicle away, or a thousand miles away. Instant messaging software, such as AIM or MSN Messenger, can also fall under this category, presenting a plethora of options of communication.
I believe the evolution of interfaces have positively contributed to our lifestyles both from a literacy standpoint, as well as a communication standpoint. I believe the development of technology coupled with the fast pace of our society aids the growth of our race, and serves to increase our way of life as we know it. This is what I believe.