Evolution is the process by which one thing evolves into another, more advanced version from a primitive, basic version. Many fortunate individuals can speculate about animal and human evolution, but none have yet observed everything in a single lifetime. It is a coincidence that ’90s kids were the only generation to witness the entire technical evolution. It’s like watching a bird learn to fly. It’s like the Wright brothers’ efforts to fly. It’s also like sitting on an Airbus flying over the Atlantic Ocean. All of this happens in one lifetime. This example vividly illustrates the remarkable journey of ’90s kids. They transitioned from schoolchildren to becoming tech gurus.
As 90s kids, we remember the impact video games had on our lives. The struggles and negotiations with parents were remarkable. Kids had to excel in exams or behave well over a period to get a video game. The Snakes and Ladders and Mario games were noteworthy examples of the wasted childhood of ’90s kids. In school days, nobody owned a mobile phone. The BSNL landlines served as the medium for prank calls and mischief among the naughty kids. The first phone we got to use was a Nokia keypad phone. The Nokia owners were considered the original rich and OGs among the cool kids. Imagine the same kids, now adults. They are always seen with iPhones and cool earbuds. They flaunt their worldly wealth. They keep reliving their inner 90s-child moments.
From Windows 98 to the latest MacBook Pro, 90s kids experienced and used a wide range of products. The original biker game and Windows games on the desktop were the craze among school kids. The experience was wholesome. The guys used floppy disks and CD drives. They progressed from 1 GB pen drives to 22 TB hard drives and finally to the cloud for storage. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, smartphones, smartwatches, and other smart devices are technological byproducts that have made our lives easier and more intelligent.
The original headsets we used as schoolchildren were so large and challenging to handle. We have moved from the ages of VCRs, cassettes, and tape recorders. Now, we are in the new era of earbuds and AI-based headsets. The streaming services are excellent. Information can be accessed from one end of the globe to another with a simple finger flick. Social media and Communication Evolution have changed how we perceive things and how we react to social events. The tendency to absorb information, including everything in a quick span of seconds, by watching an Instagram reel is excessive. Watching viral videos online is an everyday activity among all age groups.
Recently, another application has taken the whole tech ecosystem by storm: AI. ChatGPT has been setting the standard by producing exceptional work efficiently. Many jobs are at risk of becoming obsolete due to ChatGPT. Faster data processing has led to an influx of information that nobody had imagined. For a ’90s kid turned technical person, it’s an astounding transformation. It’s like going from riding a bullock cart to driving a Rolls-Royce!
One may wonder, what’s the value in all this? Sure, life has become more accessible and more comfortable. Now, tasks that used to take longer are completed in the blink of an eye. Mobile apps now have the power to control a person. The intensity of how narcissism spreads in society is astounding due to the use of social media. Every good invention has some harmful effects as well. The phone and social media were invented to aid smooth connections and allow meaningful one-on-one conversations.
Now, people are happy to spend more time on their phones. They prefer chatting with strangers and acquaintances rather than meeting them in person. The online bubble and social media fame have diluted perceptions among many 90s kids and youths. A good online presence is one of the primary reasons for mental breakdowns. The wish to showcase how happy we are also contributes to depression and other social evils we see today.
The intelligent approach uses modern technology to reconnect with old friends in real time, reminiscent of the golden era. We can use our brains more effectively and resist being swayed by Instagram trends. Intelligent people use technology to achieve their ultimate goal—a well-rounded, socially balanced life, mental peace, and happiness. As 90s kids, we must listen to our hearts and use technology more judiciously.
The Witty Stride 