For as long as I can remember, technology has been a part of my life. I’ve played video games since I was a kid, we had a family computer for as long ago as I can remember (with a dial-up internet connection no less), and I practiced my computer typing as well as used different computer programs to learn in grade school. This has persisted strongly into my adult life, with me having a personal fondness for apps and tools to make our lives easier.

Many people lament technology, but I appreciate it (check out this great book review for some more optimistic thoughts about technology). It has done so much for me in all its different forms. It has helped me meet new people, have fun, and learn. Here are some stories and reflections about each of these gifts technology has given me:

Meeting New People

It is really powerful to connect with people over shared interests, whatever they may be. Once you get people talking about what they love, it makes their enthusiasm contagious. I’ve had the joy of sharing my love of video games with people ever since I was young. I would play games with the neighboring kids and would swap games with each other too. When I got older, I bonded with my college roommate with Call of Duty (the first Modern Warfare to be exact), and met some nice people from all over the world through games like World of Warcraft. You could even consider the connections I’ve strengthened through silly games like Words with Friends or playing online Blackjack games on smartphones. Video games will always be a part of my life, no matter how big or small. They’re just a great way to have fun with others!

Have Fun

Speaking of fun, technology helps us have fun. Obviously video games are a big way, but our smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, and streaming devices - when connected to a decent connection like the best satellite internet - allow us to share funny videos, enjoy our favorite shows and movies together, and let us bond over old memories with our photos. I personally don’t partake, but there are apps like Snapchat that give people great joy through silly filters and doodles. Not to mention all the apps out there that are simply made to be fun, like a lightsaber app or one that makes funny sound effects. There were limitations on doing any of this before, where now we can share in all of these things even if we are far apart from those we care about.

Learn New Things

Something that I really appreciate nowadays is being able to look things up when I want an answer. It can range from who this actor is in on whatever show I’m watching, or viewing an informative YouTube video about the science of napping. There is so much knowledge out in the world today, and now all of it is at our fingertips. While some people seem to scoff at this modern era where we no longer have to wonder about things, I love how we can have answers to any and all of even the most mundane queries.

As we reevaluate the role technology has in our lives, we can appreciate it as a worthy compliment to it. There is certainly a line where it becomes too much, but we can use technology in a proper way to supplement our lives and make them richer. We just need to understand what it can offer and its limitations.