In this stage, you will select a person from a different generation than you to interview about how they have used technology throughout their lives. Be sure to consider both digital and non-digital technologies. You can choose someone older or younger than you, and you can talk with a relative or friend, or find someone outside of your immediate circles to interview. If you are choosing someone younger, be sure to choose someone old enough or mature enough to reflect thoughtfully on the impact of technology on themselves. After your interview, you will write a report highlighting three things you learned.
Your interview can be formal or informal. A formal interview has an established set of questions you have prepared ahead of time and do not deviate much from during the interview. An informal interview involves talking with someone about the topic in a more general way and asking specific questions as topics arise.
Some suggested questions to consider working into a formal or informal interview include:
Do you associate any form of technology with a significant event or time in your life? Tell me more about that event or time.
What kinds of non-digital technology do you frequently use or have frequently used throughout your life?
Has there been any specific piece of technology in your life that helped transform the way you think about something in the world?
How do you use technology in your everyday life? Your creative life? Your work life?
Is there any specific digital or non-digital technology you would have a hard time living without? Why?
How has technology changed throughout your life?
Is there any technology you wish had not changed? Why?
Has there been a specific form of technology that contributed to who you are today? Tell me more.
How are you a different, better, worse, enhanced, safer, etc., person when you use a specific form of technology than when you don’t?
How has your self-worth or self-conception been affected by technology?
You can modify these questions or ask other questions that are appropriate for your interview situation. The above list contains suggested starting points. The idea is to find connections between technology and your interviewee’s life experiences and self-identity. +500 words
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview my grandfather, who is in his late 70s. Growing up in a pre-digital age and having worked as a machinist for much of his life, he has seen technology evolve from analog tools to digital ones. Through our conversation, I came away with three main points about how technology has impacted him throughout his lifetime:
First, he stressed that non-digital forms of technology are still extremely important today. He especially remembers using tools such as mechanical presses and lathes when working on the factory floor of his previous job. Although computers have become commonplace in most industries today, my grandfather believes that many of these manual machines were essential in making sure everything was built properly. This knowledge has also helped him make small repairs around the house since retirement—such as fixing lawnmowers or replacing broken parts on furniture—which would’ve been much more difficult without this understanding of machinery.
Second, he noted that technology has gradually changed how people interact with one another over time. For example, although telephone calls and postcards used to be the primary forms of communication between friends or family living far apart, now emails and text messages can be sent almost instantaneously regardless of distance or location. Furthermore, social media networks like Facebook allow everyone to stay connected no matter where they are; my grandpa finds it fascinating seeing photos from old classmates or watching videos created by distant relatives which he would’ve never known about if not for these advancements in communication tech.
Finally, he acknowledged that although there have been some positive changes due to advances in technology—like faster communication methods—some drawbacks remain too. His biggest gripe is how some people seem so consumed by their phones at times that they forget basic manners like eye contact during conversations (especially when dining together). Additionally, drivers now often put themselves at risk by multitasking while behind the wheel instead of focusing solely on driving safely—a behavior which wasn’t possible before cellphones were invented!
Overall though, my grandfather recognizes the importance of modern tech despite its pitfalls; he understands how it can help improve our lives provided we take appropriate precautions and not forget what’s truly important outside our devices’ screens!