I can’t believe you posted something to LinkedIn about our valet parking “episode”.

Why? It was in response to a promoted post from an office space company touting its amenities. I merely stated the facts … when I arrived for a meeting with a tenant, I found out that I could not use the valet parking unless I gave them my cell number. When I asked what I was supposed to do if I did not want to do that, or had forgotten my phone, they told me, “Go next door and valet park at Neiman Marcus.”

Or, you could’ve pretended to be a “mere mortal” and used self-parking.

Due to all the construction, I did not even see that – nor did they mention it.

It was a good thing I pulled up when I did so I could give them my cellphone number for both our cars. Initially,

although you were clearly annoyed, the “process” just made me roll my eyes. It didn’t bother me … until we were finished with our meeting. Then the automated system, using the “latest and greatest” technology, ended up taking over 10 minutes just to get our parking validated.

Exactly. An old-fashioned stamp on a parking ticket would have taken seconds. I mentioned that in my LinkedIn post, too.

Of course, you did. Anyway, I know I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed these days with so many things to do,

so I really hate when my time is wasted. Especially since I thought technology was supposed to make us more efficient, not less.

That is “the plan” … but things do not always go as planned.

And things aren’t always “new and improved” – sometimes they’re just new.

The valet parking ticket is just one example. Later that

same day, I checked on an item in for repair and was told that their new automated system had sent a text to my phone the prior week advising that it was ready for pickup. But, it was my landline, so I never received the message.

Just out of curiosity, what did they do before the new system?

A person would call. When I dropped off the item they even asked if I wanted to be contacted by text or a call, so they had it correct in my file. On their computer system, I might add. Obviously, the two systems do not “talk” to each other.

Is it just me, or are people becoming too dependent on technology?

Not only that, but I feel as if technology is just being used for the sake of using technology, without stopping and thinking about how best to use it. Using technology does not mean it is a smart use of technology.

At the risk of sounding like an old person, I think it’s just a sign of the times. I often wish we could turn back the

clock to before there were computers and information overload from the internet. To the days before cellphones and texting.

Your theater degree is showing because you are being overly dramatic. I suspect your real “issue” is related to people’s apparent dependency on technology.

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we’re older and can remember what it was like before technology “took

over” the world. Unlike younger people that think technology is great and wouldn’t know what to do without it.

Given I am over 60, and you are only a few years away from that milestone,

“younger” covers a fairly large population – including people who do not even know of life without computers and cellphones, yet alone smartphones.

I guess it’s just a natural reaction to change. We all prefer what we’re used to, and resist changing.

Yes, but people older than us are embracing various forms of technology. I recently was on the distribution of an email from a woman that did a “reply all,” but in the body of the email apologized for sending it to everyone.

Seriously? Not in a follow-up email? Why not just delete everyone from the “copy” line or start over? Was

she that clueless?

No, that old. I soon found out she was over 100 years old, and did not know how to essentially “start over”. She was so sweet in her apology. It made me realize that in her situation email was a great thing, as it let her stay in touch with so many people.

That’s awesome. I know Sawyer uses technology to stay in touch with camp friends all over the country and

overseas. I just don’t want to see her become overly reliant on technology, to the point where she may not realize that there are alternatives that – depending on the situation – might be even better.

That sounds good, but remember that younger generations do not necessarily know there is any other way, let alone possibly a better way. That might require someone older than them explaining it to them. (Parents need not apply, as they are seen as not knowing anything.) And, as the world becomes more reliant on technology, it is going to become

even more of a challenge.

That’s sad. And scary. But you do raise a good point – how

can people who don’t have a frame of reference for how things “used to be” stop and think about what’s the best way to do something.

I think every generation experiences this, which is why there is so much we can learn from our elders. And, vice versa. But, in terms of technology, I think, if nothing else, there is huge value in just recognizing that different generations will have very different opinions of technology, not to mention how they use technology.

So, do you think there’s hope for dinosaurs like us who, let’s be honest, often fight technology?

I do not fight technology – I fight technology that is not logical or practical. And, I refuse to let it take control of my life.

So, you’re saying there’s hope for dinosaurs?

No, dinosaurs are extinct … but there may be hope for you.

RED & BLACK ... The Age Of Technology

Tina “Red” Pennington and Mandy “Black” Williams are sisters and co-authors of “What I Learned About Life When My Husband Got Fired!” The informative, entertaining book dis-cusses values, priorities,relationships, financial literacy, and much more.

For more information on

Red & Black, please go to

www.RedandBlackBooks.com.

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