Is it all it's cracked up to be?

Ok, let me start out this post by stating unequivocally that I LOVE technology. I could not live without my computer and DSL connection.

That being said, let me just say that despite the promise of the V. Bush and Nelson articles, I'm not sure technology as THEY invisioned it has lived up to its forseen potential, let alone its unforseen consequences.

Both articles, to me, seemed to be relying on a model that envisioned computers and the potential they hold to be relied upon mostly by academics and in business. There is nothing wrong with that -- especially when you consider the costs they were projecting for technology. What would Bush think about the readily accessible computing power of 2007? So my question is, have we lived up to their own somewhat narrow definitions of what it is computers are supposed to do?

I'm not sure they do. Both talked about the usefulness of computers in doing research and holding information. Both spoke optimistically about the whole of human knowledge being available through desktop efficiency. As I sit in a library and slog through research articles, let me say that dream has yet to be realized. Despite the optimistic picture of at home research presented by another poster, electronic sources make life easier only when they are available. The great bulk of previous literature is not available online and still requires a trip to physically touch, look for, and examine hard copy. While strides are being made to make more and more available online, that doesn't begin to touch the vast sum of material that has not been.

In addition, the amount of information that IS available is enormous. Just finding what you think might help you is daunting. Is there such a thing as too much information, hyperlinked or not, to be able to slog through? Do we have to then rely on other people and their interpretations to filter for us without critically looking at the way they have decided to filter the information? (for example -- has anyone tried to find something using a database that tries to "help" you find what you are looking for? some amusing results there)

I guess where I am going here -- other than a complaint about the number of hours I've spent in the library -- is that while we are beginning to realize some of the potential dreamed of in 1945 we have a long way to go yet and when we get there -- will we really know what it is we have?