Technological Pessimist

I recently wrote a little about the loss of our community spirit. The diatribe was largely based on observations of our increasingly isolated shopping districts and our diminishing sense of customer care. Since then I have reflected further on the unraveling of the community fabric, but from the perspective of the so-called "technical revolution". I recognize the fact that I have entirely too much time on my hands if I am able to sit around and ponder such abstract ideas, but that is just one of the many blessings I enjoy. And I confess that the irony is not lost on me that I am bemoaning all of this new technology through the same medium that I profess to oppose. Nonetheless, here we go.
There is no question that our communities have, to a great extent, evolved from the days when walking the town square and chatting with your fellow citizens was commonplace. For better or worse, knowing everyone in your local community is not the norm, these days. We don't know all of our local merchants (if we know any at all), and we too rarely see familiar faces enjoying the weather on a downtown bench. It is presumptuous to think we can fully understand how that has happened, but I want to share what I think is one piece of the puzzle. The technological revolution, as the optimists call it, is actually working against us in many ways. Yes, it is nice to have access to so much information via the internet. And it is nice to talk to old friends far away via email. I like having spell-check for all my work, even if it has destroyed my ability to spell from memory. But what is the downside to all of these advancements?
In years gone by we would think it something special if someone had an expensive suit tailor made. Now we can simply order through any large department store. Once upon time we could campaign outside of a business we thought to be unethical. Now Wal-Mart can have you escorted from their privately-owned parking lot. There was a time when political ideas were discussed on the street corner but, like so much our history, those days have faded into obscurity. Now people can buy anything they want over the internet. "If you can't find it on eBay, then you don't need it," I heard someone say. Now we send emails about Wal-Mart's unethical practices to people who already hate Wal-Mart, and the company rarely has to face anything more than a handful of angry letters or petitions that they promptly delete. Now if you want to talk about your political concerns you just start a blog or join a chatroom. Its a great way to rant endlessly to nameless, faceless people. But isn't that easier? It takes some serious conviction for a man to stand on a street corner in front of his friends and relations, his co-workers and neighbors, and tell them exactly what he thinks about a given issue. On the other hand, anyone can post a message on the internet with no fear of reprisal from the people they deal with every day. So, yes, it is easier, but that doesn't make it better. Maybe I am a pessimist, but I am not thrilled about living in a world where internet dating is taking the place of human contact. I cannot imagine opting for an impersonal meeting via the internet over that petrifying fear of approaching someone who captivates you, swallowing all pride, bracing for rejection and hoping for opportunity as you ask out the girl you see during lunch everyday.
I guess I am a pessimist, because I do not like this "technological revolution", or what it is doing to our communities. There is a an old joke the does well to explain the difference between the optimists and the pessimists...The optimist says, "this is the best of all possible worlds." The pessimists replies, "I agree." It is sad that our Norman Rockwell-like days seem behind us, but I guess that is just the way the world works. Some things gets better, while other things gets worse. I never claimed to have any answers, just a few thoughts.