06/02/2026
Let’s Talk About Tech
A few years ago, the “talk” on the internet was whether people were “tech savvy” or “tech dependent.” I think that discussion is still pertinent now, maybe even more so than in the past. Where do you think you stand?
What’s the difference? Tech savvy means you understand your tools well enough to use the right one, use it efficiently, troubleshoot basic issues, and have “intentional control” over what you are doing. Tech dependent means exactly that. You can use a program, but you don’t necessarily use it for the correct purpose, know how to fix issues with it, or you are completely dependent on it. Every little “ding” dictates your immediate attention. The app drives your behavior, not the other way around.
Can you walk away from your computer? Tablet? Phone? Even for ten minutes? Ten minutes of quiet time can do wonderful things for your soul.
It drives my friends and family a little crazy that I am not attached to my phone. I can walk away from it. Sometimes I even go to the grocery store or run an errand without it. (Oh, the horror!) I’m in charge of my phone, not the other way around. Read Tech Savvy here… I may need some help from someone younger in learning how to use a new app that I install; however, I am in charge of the app. I elect when to use it, when to read posts, when to respond, and how to use it as a tool for communication, learning, or entertainment. I even decide if I want to uninstall it. Not everything is useful. Don’t waste that digital space. Would you let an appliance you never use take up space on your kitchen counter?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) apps throw a new kink into this equation for all of us. Don’t get me wrong. I love AI! I’ve recently completed several courses and learned a lot of things to help me incorporate AI into my world. However, the very first thing you should learn is that you can’t always trust it. (Anybody heard of “Skynet”? Look it up.) AI is a wonderful brainstorming tool and educator, but you still need to check your facts as you should for any internet related research. Don’t be afraid to challenge the information it feeds you. That’s part of the verification process. I reviewed an article recently about the AI process, and because it combs through all types of internet content to build the responses you receive, sometimes it will provide you with “facts” that are actually from fiction it has reviewed. It’s an app. A machine. A program that is still learning. It’s not smart enough (yet) to know whether it pulled information from a factual document, or from a fictional story someone posted. Remember, it’s just a tool.
So, please, take a step toward becoming more tech savvy. Learn new skills and apps, use AI, stay connected… but also, stay calm and in control and your capability will grow as we all grow and flourish in our everchanging world of technology.
~ Contributed by Melody Lowe
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