What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Feeling like a technology dinosaur leads to big picture, complex questions

As I get older my wonder at the advancements in technology grows. I bought my first brand new car a couple of years ago — actually, a little longer back than that — and I’m still finding out how some of its many technical innovations work. For instance, it has an automatic handbrake and reverse cameras and sensors to assist with parking. But many of you will know that is all pretty standard. How about the option of changing your rear view mirror to the camera view from the rear of the vehicle, or the fact that my rear vision mirrors on my front doors fold in when I lock the car. And it was only relatively recently that I learned I could organise for my lights to automatically flash on and off high beam at night, all by themselves. Truly amazing. I know all of you — possibly younger than 40 — will think, “So what, get with the program Peter.” I’m also sure the wonder level of most of the students I teach would be very low too, when it comes to advancements like this. I’m so far behind. I had a friend who recently visited San Francisco and she told me they travelled through the city via a driverless taxicab. How’s this, the other day, I went into a local furniture store to look at buying a bed, because the one I have is giving me back pain. Before the very efficient store assistant showed me any beds, I was asked to go through some tests — computer generated tests to see what mattresses suited my body and sleep patterns best. I was asked to lay on a specific bed, while the assistant punched some info into a big touch screen. It was somewhat like jumping on a ride at the fun fair. I laid on my side and I could feel the mattress moving. I then laid on my back, and the same thing. Supposedly the result was a mattress that would give me and my body the best night’s sleep. Incredible. Innovation such as this must be the norm — making me truly feel like a dinosaur. I reckon I’m still coming to grips with smart TVs, streaming platforms and the whole Bluetooth thing. It seems, just as I think I am catching up with it all, I find I am even more behind than ever. If this is the case with innocuous innovations such as these, where do individuals like me stand in respect to the internet and social media? If we are not across it, how do we deal with this growing concern that is captivating our children? On December 10, the Federal Government is bringing in a raft of laws aimed at controlling the use, and, therefore, influence of social media, including banning children under 16 from social media platforms. Yes, there are many benefits with internet use — that like driving a car or selecting the right bed — will make our lives better. But there is a flipside. Suicide, illicit drug use, hatred, racist and sexual crimes, along with escalating mental health issues are spiralling out of control, promulgated by the use of the internet and social media. I understand the “nanny state” overtones, but this is far bigger than telling someone they have to wear a bicycle helmet or can’t smoke or drink. As parents and guardians, we have an understanding of these. The effects of the internet and social media are, in my opinion, way out of our pay grade. There is , no doubt, governments need to take a stand now. Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday (9am to noon) and Fiorenza on Sunday (10am to noon) on Radio MAMA. He’s also on Radio Geraldton (radiogeraldton.com.au).