I clearly have a computer. This is actually my third computer and the 5th or so that I have used regularly. I do not have a computer because I find them easy or stress reducing. Perhaps the easiest way for my stress level to go from relaxed to swearing and wanting to break something is encountering problems with a computer. So many important things are required to be done on computers. Some things like applying for FAFSA are simply. Some things like fixing the mistakes I made when applying for FAFSA are much harder.
Learning to use a new website is one of the worst. One easy problem is loosing the information that I have to log in. Somehow I think that I do not have to write things down if people email me the necessary information. I tend to be very wrong when I make this assumption. Finding a website or finding a link that someone sent me does not have to be a trying experience and I understand how it makes sense that this would be an easy process but that idea does not reflect my personal experience. My personal experience when it comes to computers most closely reflects Murphy’s Law.
However, I am young, I still find that given enough time and/or hand-holding I will learn how to use technology. But it gives me no pleasure to do this. My simple wish is akin to the wish that the Luddites or the Amish. Technology is okay now but surely we do not need to go any further.
Dear Wendell Berry, I know that you will likely never read this and for that I wish that I could be you and live a life that is free from computers and technological progression. But, I am sure you understand that when it comes to the modern college student they are hopelessly trapped if they do not want to have a computer.