I remember watching the movie “The Net” back in 1995 and when I saw that Sandra Bullock’s character could order a pizza online, I was just beside myself with excitement! Wow! She ordered food and had it delivered without having to pick up the phone. This was brilliant! Now remember, the internet was still in it’s infancy then, so it was astonishing to me that we would someday be able to do this. For me, waiting for technology like this to hit the general public was like waiting for Santa to come on Christmas Eve. I don’t remember a whole lot more about the movie, but this part is still etched in my mind like I watched it yesterday. I was in college in ’95 and hadn’t yet figured out that being an introvert was actually a thing and thought there was seriously something wrong with me because I had this horrible aversion to calling anyone.
Now it’s even better than I imagined! Not only can I order pretty much any food I want without picking up the phone, but I can make doctor’s appointments (even for my pets!) online, check on my friends and family through social media, take care of my banking, use chat for customer service, and my personal favorite, order groceries! Anyone else abhor going to the grocery store? That’s a whole other topic in itself.
I know that doing everything from behind the comfort of our screens is simply not plausible, and I think it’s important that we maintain our ability to deal with people on a regular basis. Interaction is so important to develop communication and behavorial skills and learn social cues. Also, socialization can be key to be able to handle difficult situations, like surviving bullying or tolerating a demanding boss at work.
That being said, can we just bask in the glory of the technology that allows us to do everyday things without feeling pressured? It’s a relief that I can order my favorite take out within 2 or 3 clicks and have it delivered right to my door. There’s no psyching myself up, no pep talks, no telling myself how awesome I am over and over just to build the courage to pick up the phone.
I absolutely love, love, love, that I can drop grocery items into a cart online and go pick them up curbside. I don’t have to stand awkwardly in the crowd at the deli counter waiting for my number to be called, I don’t have to battle the inconsiderate people that barrel out of the aisles without pausing or even looking to make sure no one was coming, and I certainly don’t have to play a game of Twister to get to an item on the shelf that’s being blocked by someone who won’t move. Grocery shopping is so exhausting!
So thank you to all the restaurants, stores and companies that make life a little bit easier on us introverts. Instead of wasting our energy on mundane things, we can have it available for times when there’s no choice but to contend with crowds and uncomfortable situations.
What technology are you most grateful for and how has it made your life a little less stressful? I’d love to hear from you!