Modern tech can lead us astray at times

Modern technology can be wonderful, often making life easier, but other times it is confusing and leads us astray.

Googling, email, texting and cell phones have made news gathering and fact-finding easier in many ways, but you still need to know your sources. Some folks take everything they read online as the truth. That’s dangerous. Same holds true with Facebook

As I was visiting with a medical professional recently, I admitted I Google medical facts to which she stressed to be careful of my sources. She continued by providing reliable search sites for me to explore.

In the news profession, the same is true. A reporter is only as good as a source. Often the trust in each other’s credibility is earned through working together for months, years and decades.

Emailing is great. You can send a communication when it fits into your schedule and the recipient may respond at their convenience. The same is true with texting and private messaging. I can get texts and messages from family who live a few blocks away, across the state or around the world at any time.

I appreciate being able to get online and investigate an issue or an item I’m thinking about purchasing. I expect the information to be easy to identify and understand. I want to be able to ask questions either online or in person when I’m going to make a decision. While I want information, I don’t necessarily want to join a group that might latch onto my personal information.

I love many of the advantages of modern technology, but I also have a few I don’t like.

I despise robo calls especially those using a local area code and prefix. If I don’t have a number programmed into my phone or I don’t recognize the number, I’m likely not to answer.

But, I don’t want to have to sign up for an app to check the menu of a restaurant, or fast food establishment or to see what the prices are when I’m trying to make a decision on what I want for lunch or dinner.

I may have decided I’m going to watch both my calorie intake and my wallet. I like to be able to compare what local food sites might have to offer. One may tell me the calories but not the cost. I’ll move on to another and I have to put in where I’m at in the world so they can give me information about what the menu item costs.

I am happy to say, I don’t have this problem with locally-owned restaurants.

I’m thinking about preparing my lunch and bringing it to work. I’ll know the calories, if it is gluten-free and probably save money. I usually can find what I need, but if not, I appreciate being helped by a store employee. The only problem is when it’s checkout time. I try to not use the self-checkout stations. If I wanted to check out items, I’d be working as a checker. Oh, that’s right. Those jobs are harder to find these days.

Barbara Ann Horton is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at bhorton.dar@gmail.com.