Each generation creates a path according to the times and circumstances in which it lives. I was born in the 1960s. When I was growing up, there were no computers or the internet; the world had not yet gone digital. There were no social networks or cell phones. Human relationships were direct. The media already existed as a means of obtaining information; they were the only mediated spaces for communication. My favorite was the radio, although television had already become widespread. I studied in libraries; reading and understanding what I read was the way I learned.

I was over 25 when I first used a computer in the 1990s. I was the production and media manager at a publishing house, and I performed several of my duties using a PC. Office didn't exist yet. The screen was dark and the letters were white, but there was already a word processing program. I must admit that the computer made my job easier. Then came the internet and social media. I was able to reconnect with some friends who had left the country through Facebook. I learned to promote my literary activities through social media. The most impressive thing, at least for me, was the access to information and knowledge, in seconds, at the click of a button.

There are two things that I find frankly intolerable about the computerized society we live in. On the one hand, the delusional, and in my view abusive, way in which technology companies force us to adapt to constant changes, supposedly to improve the use of the technologies we use, especially on social media. I can't stand it. Every time I open a social network, I find a new feature that I don't need. I'm an older person, and this barrage of constant changes stresses me out immensely. I'm not interested in spending all day, every day, learning how to use new games and new technologies.

On the other hand, I dislike living in a society that seems to be becoming increasingly dehumanized. I am not happy being connected to some device all day long. Now everything has to be done through a computer or a cell phone. Those of us who are not skilled with computer technology live in a state of stress. You go to a bank or any other company or institution and they don't serve you; they tell you that you have to do the transaction online. Now your loved ones don't call or talk to you anymore; they send you text messages or emojis. If they are in front of you and you need to talk, you have to ask their permission because they are “connected.” In a hyperconnected, hyperinformed society, you sometimes feel very alone. I am extremely concerned to see young children already addicted to mobile phone games who get upset if they are interrupted. Frankly, I am bothered by this perverse side of the computerized society in which we live.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed a happy weekend. Greetings from Andalusia, Spain.

Since my native language is not English, I have had to rely on the Deepl.com platform to translate this article into English.