History Time: My Relationship with Technology
Let’s take a trip back in time. My story with technology isn’t just about gadgets or software; it’s a journey of discovery, awe, and a bit of playfulness. I’ve always been drawn to the way new mediums allow us to explore and communicate differently, and every so often, something has come along that reignites my fascination. Here’s how it all began.
1994: The Internet Changes Everything
In 1994, I discovered the internet. I was just 16, and suddenly, the world was so much bigger than I had ever imagined. It felt like an endless library, a place where I could learn and connect without limits. I remember that feeling of awe, logging in and realizing that I was tapping into something that had the power to reshape lives and open new doors.
2000: Blogging Enters the Scene
A few years later, in 2000, I stumbled upon blogging. I was captivated, once again awestruck. The idea that anyone could write, share ideas, and have their voice heard was thrilling. So, I began blogging, pouring my thoughts into the digital world and connecting with like-minded people. It was an empowering medium, and I loved experimenting with it—learning what worked, what didn’t, and finding my voice.
2004: The World of Videoblogging
By 2004, I was drawn to yet another new medium: videoblogging. This felt like the natural next step. Writing was powerful, but there was something compelling about being able to share visuals, voice, and personality all at once. It added a new dimension to what we could share online, and I loved exploring the possibilities.
Here is a screenshot from a BBC News feature in 2005 on my work within vlogging.
2007: Hello, Twitter
Twitter came along in 2007, and again, I was pulled in. Here was a platform built on brevity—a new way to communicate and connect in just 140 characters. It was an exciting challenge to make an impact with so little space, and it sparked my creativity in ways I hadn’t expected. Twitter was a place to be quick, sharp, and interactive. I was all in.
2011: Discovering Google+
By 2011, it was Google+ that caught my eye. It felt like a blend of the best parts of social media at the time, and I was fascinated by how Google+ encouraged conversation and the sharing of ideas in a more structured way. Though its journey was short-lived, I appreciated its unique approach and was there for the experiment.
November 2022: The Arrival of ChatGPT
Then, in late November 2022, when ChatGPT launched, I felt the same awe that I had back in 1994. Here was an AI that could understand, converse, and even spark new ideas. Interacting with ChatGPT felt like exploring a vast, uncharted territory. Once again, I found myself excited to experiment and push boundaries, just as I had with blogging, video, and social media.
Why I Love Experimenting with Technology
There’s a theme running through these moments: the playful nature of experimenting with a medium. I’ve always enjoyed the process of trial and error, of learning iteratively. Each platform and tool has its own quirks, its own possibilities, and the journey of discovering them has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about staying up-to-date; it’s about diving into new worlds and seeing where they lead.
So, here I am, still exploring, still learning, and still feeling a sense of wonder with each new discovery. Because in the end, technology isn’t just about what we use—it’s about what we create, what we learn, and how we connect along the way.
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