Yep. I’m old enough to remember life before the internet. The glory days of RadioShack and Block Buster Video. The evolution of music from albums to 8 track and cassette, finally compact disk. Having to do research when the library was open or a library card so you could take a book home. Who remembers AOL launching its free software and having to dial in. What baud rate were you using? Printed books! Finding a really good book and passing it to a friend. Being terrified by King and “The Shining” just through the words of the author.
We were definitely more connected to people around us. Being able to connect with anyone at any time. We were also more considerate of people’s schedules. You didn’t call at dinner or after 8 or 9 PM. Playing games meant going outside or gathering around a table, using cards and markers instead of bits and bright lights and game consoles. We didn’t have a computer in our pocket that could connect us to the world. Your cell phone is more powerful that the computers used to launch the lunar missions and design the space shuttle.
I can take any book or music I want with me as I travel across the country. Any country. Constant stimulation instead of waiting patiently for my number to be called at the DMV. Or forbid, making small talk with a stranger.
Finally, where did cat’s sleep before keyboards?
The New Word Wars 