From ICQ to Twitter-Technological Changes in 2000-2009

In 2000, I was a senior in high school, about to graduate in May and then attend college in the fall. I felt very confident in the fact that I was technologically "advanced" (in my own opinion). After all, I had my own computer and the Internet, and was very comfortable with using it as much as possible. Of course, my usage mainly consisted of chatting with my boyfriend (now husband) on ICQ and other friends on AOL's Instant Messenger.

When I went to college, a whole new world opened up for me. I was able to have a T1 connection, which, at the time, seemed like a foreign concept. I could download TV shows and music, and did so often. Anyone remember Napster? I sure do-I was a college freshman with lots of free space on my computer to fill with music, and I took advantage of that program until it became a legal issue for others. As the years have gone by, I've since upgraded computers several times (it helps to be married to a computer guy), and have switched from a Windows PC to a Mac. I have certainly found myself becoming more of an Apple user, which began mainly with the release of the iPod.

I am a music lover, and used to carry a personal CD player with me on long trips in the car. When I learned about the iPod, I wasn't completely sure how it would work, but I decided to buy one for myself and my husband and try it out. I immediately fell in love with the new technology! I didn't have to carry CDs around with me anymore, all I needed was a small, portable music player, and it could be carried in my purse for any occasion. I bought a kit so I could use it in my car, and also listened to it at work. I have since upgraded my iPod a few times, and use it in my daily life. What was once just something I used every now and then is now something that I carry with me at all times.

Another major change in technology throughout the decade for me has been with cell phones. I didn't have a cell phone in high school-if I needed to call home, I used the office phone or a pay phone (remember those?). A few friends had them here and there, but I didn't have the need for one. However, after I went to college four hours away from home, I decided to get one. The phone was huge and the battery barely kept a charge for more than a few hours, but it was a very big deal to me.

As the years have gone by, I've changed phones often. The phones I have gone through became smaller but came with more features, and I was amazed that I could take pictures with something I made a call with as well. I have been an iPhone user now for almost two years, and it amazes me to think about how often and in how many ways I use my phone. I use it make calls, take pictures, play games, send e-mail, listen to music, and Twitter. This is yet another device that comes with me everywhere I go.

I could go on and on about technology and how it has impacted my life in the past decade, as I have found new gadgets and used them (some more than others). My camera is now digital (I got my first digital camera in 2002 and was amazed by the technology), I used and loved XM Radio, I briefly fell in love with the Palm Pilot, and I use Netflix weekly. I've definitely become more of a technology geek as the decade has gone by, (but am proud to say so) and look forward to all the new changes in the future.