When I show people my phone, they laugh. In entertainment. In shock. But mostly in pity and disbelief. Why? Because I’m a nearly-23-year-old college student, and I have a slider keyboard phone. No, I didn’t just time travel from 2004. It’s also not just that I’m cheap, although that is certainly a contributing factor.
I’ve always been behind the times when it comes to technology. My family got a PlayStation 2 when the PlayStation 3 came out. I didn’t get a cell phone at all until I was 16. And I still don’t have Netflix.
I’m not complaining, though. Sometimes it’s good to resist change. Not in the George Wallace/ Kim Davis kind of way, but in the Neo fighting the mechanical overlords kind of way.
Now you’re probably thinking, “iPhones can’t possibly be as sinister as the Matrix.” Probably not. But I think they can be if we’re not careful. Any technology can potentially become a system of control that affects every aspect and moment of our lives. As soon as people can’t function normally without that technology, we’re starting to cross into the realm of apocalyptic science-fiction.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly where we are. People are “plugged in” to their handheld devices in the same way that most of humanity is plugged in to the Matrix in the prophetic 1999 sci-fi movie. People live their lives in a social media filter where all value is calculated by likes and followers, things that are just as imaginary as the woman in the red dress.
I recognize that I’ll inevitably be forced into conformity, into buying a smartphone. It’s pretty much unavoidable for anyone who doesn’t plan on pursuing a career in lumber-jacking.
The key is to be conscientious of how we use technology. Neo and company use the Matrix to take care of business. They have a purpose in using it. Likewise, if we understand our relationship with technology and use it wisely, then we, not the machines, remain in control.
So if you have a dumb phone like me, congratulations. If not, take your smart phone out right now and say, ” I’m going to hang up this phone, and then I’m going to show these people what you don’t want them to see. I’m going to show them a world without you. A world without rules and controls, without borders or boundaries. A world where anything is possible.”