For the love of Wi-Fi

Posted

I received an email message from my employer alerting the university staff that an IT department move to new quarters would occur inside of four days and it will impact all technology. No computer access. No WiFi. No computer applications. Nothing.

Then a few days ago a second form of internet withdrawal came in the form of no online access at home and a need to jockey for a position outside the Optimum store in Hicksville at 8:30 a.m. in the rain for some new equipment.

Of all the things I hope stay stable in my life, I always wish for good health for our family and friends. Now, admittedly I have caught myself hoping that inanimate items like our computer or smart phone keep "healthy" too. It's not about abject dependence and addiction, so much as it's about functionality and the way I can't control these objects' well being any more than making sure we humans get our checkups, eat right and exercise.

The third and final blow was when I learned my computer's doctor was "retiring." More accurately, a good friend and work associate, our company's IT director, is moving west. He deserves this wonderful opportunity and I couldn't be happier for him.

But as our trusty IT guy it will be hard to imagine not having our "go-to" for everything electronic or digital. Given his generosity he's been like a "healing" specialist for decades, the guy "on call" for our staff keeping the equipment in top condition both at our homes and the office.

So it was — the perfect storm with three moments colliding — to recognize the reliance I have with the digital universe. Although I am amused with the ease and dexterity that millennials exhibit with all things web, I so admire and respect their abilities and never saw myself even close to their ranks when it came to their sensibilities.

I now join them freely, undeniably dependent on a world with a world wide web as accessible (and hopefully as neutral) as can be.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is an East Meadow resident and a direct marketing/advertising executive who teaches advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology/SUNY, LIU Post and SUNY Old Westbury.