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I recently re-watch the movie “I, Robot” and enjoy that twist about robots revolting against human beings to best protect us.  Since the invention of computers, we are heading towards the realization of far-fetched sci-fi scenes.

Technology makes many things convenient, efficient and improves the well-beings of many lives; and it is winning the race with non-technology alternatives.  Yet, it is hard to wholeheartedly embrace a complete victory of technology.

Take on-line shopping as an example, during the black Friday weekend this year, people buy more on-line than from the retail store; this feels like retail stores will soon face challenges to survive.   Online shopping saves valuable time and effort; it is a comfortable experience; and the customer services are amazing – if the product misses a part, it will send you the whole product again and quick.  It probably contributes to less pollution as the computer power to support some online activities is likely way lower than the gasoline consumed in getting to shopping malls.   It is as great a thing as free Wi-Fi.

If online shopping wipes out local retail stores, I will miss the experience of doing shopping with friends, the joy of agreeing and disagreeing with each other on the items at display.   I will miss the ambience of a people-filled shopping mall.

Online shopping makes buying things such an efficient process.  When I shop for a gift, I have the receiver in mind.   The more efficient it becomes, the less time that receiver is on the mind before moving on to buy for another person.   Is it better to save much time, just to spend more time on the internet rather than more human interaction? 

A few years ago, I went to book stores to discover new books. Instead of buying books, I registered the book titles and went online to buy them.   Recently, I start an effort to buy some books from the retail stores with the worry that it could soon become extremely difficult to find any retail book stores.

As online stores are up and running twenty four hours every day, it also takes away the need to plan a shopping trip.  And whatever we are looking for, it can be discovered in a few clicks.  I miss the deeper sense of demand and the delayed gratification on what we are looking for.

Maybe soon, I will find something online, and make a trip to the shopping mall to buy the items.

Posted in Computer, Dear Diary