Chen Lu Wang

In my 81 years of life, the pace of technological advancements has left me feeling overwhelmed and disoriented. Growing up in Beijing, China, I experienced firsthand the transition from a world of simplicity to one dominated by gadgets and gizmos.

I still remember the first time I encountered a television set. It was a marvel of modern technology, capable of bringing images and sounds from distant lands into our humble home. I would sit transfixed in front of the screen, marveling at the wonders of the world unfolding before my eyes.

But as the years went by, technology continued to evolve at a dizzying pace. The arrival of computers and the internet brought with them new challenges and opportunities. Suddenly, information that had once been inaccessible was available at the click of a button, and the world seemed to shrink before my eyes.

At first, I embraced these new technologies with open arms, eager to learn and explore all that they had to offer. But as time went on, I found myself struggling to keep up with the relentless march of progress. The rise of smartphones and social media left me feeling increasingly isolated and out of touch with the world around me.

It's not that I'm opposed to technology; far from it. I appreciate the convenience and efficiency that it brings to our lives. But I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for simpler times, when life moved at a slower pace and human connections were cherished above all else.

I often find myself longing for the days when a handwritten letter or a face-to-face conversation was the norm. In a world dominated by screens and devices, it's easy to feel disconnected from those around me.

So while I may struggle to keep up with the latest technological developments, I refuse to let them overshadow the things that bring me true happiness. As long as I have my family, my friends, and the beauty of the world around me, I know that I'll always find a way to navigate the complexities of the modern age.