I was recently asked by a friend, while out and about in Fundon Town, if I knew where the nearest tube station was.
Not being familiar with the area, I turned and passed the burden of the question onto a passing stranger.
The stranger stopped, thought for a moment, and explained clearly whilst pointing, “Oxford Circus is over there, and Piccadilly Circus is a short walk in that direction.”
I thanked him, he disappeared into the background of my life, and I shared my newly acquired knowledge with my friend.
I was struck with the sudden impression of how easy and fast it was to access the information I required, and pass it on, with no digital intervention required.
No Google. No typing. No predictive text. No waiting for a signal. No forwarding the result and no phone company to pay.
I had forgotten the true power and potential of the Physical Human Internet, all around me, and I resolved to begin accessing it again, rather than instinctively reaching for my Iphone each time I need an answer.
In case that you too have forgotten the power of the Physical Human Internet, I would like to remind you:
It is easy to access, people in general (short of a few bastards) want to share their knowledge and most are proud to share, the basics at least, for free. The human internet is all around us and, although you do need to vocalise your inquiry, you don't need to push a button. As a bonus, usually the person you reach out to has their speech recognition facility in working order, and won't miss-interpret your request. Especially if you are Scottish!
The only disadvantage I can think of in accessing the human internet is that I have to talk to strangers, a fact which my parents brainwashed me to believe was bad for the whole of my childhood.
Anyway, I'm going to run a quick test to prove the Physical Human Internet is better, and more useful than its digital counterpart.
“Siri-wife, can you make me a cup of Tea?”
A few moments later..
Yep.
The Physical Human Internet rocks!