I bet every segment you read about the 90’s would be described as a technology wonder of magic that brought joy to anyone’s life who experienced it. Growing up, at first we seemed not to have much; however, as we grew, technology grew with us, almost like an invisible companion that evolved alongside our childhood adventures. Sony was working on a device that later debuted as the most advanced gaming system ever created, captivating the imaginations of millions and enabling us to embark on virtual quests right from our living rooms. The compact disc was able to copy files and burn your favorite mix tapes, transforming the music-sharing experience into a personal treasure hunt, where feelings and memories engraved in melodies could be shared with friends. If you were lucky, you were part of a family that could afford a computer, and you were even luckier if you had one of your own, opening up a world of endless possibilities for learning, creativity, and connection.
The 90’s were different than today; everything seemed genuine, untouched by the digital saturation we experience now. When we wanted to see a friend, we knocked on their door and said hello, a simple yet meaningful interaction that fostered genuine relationships. It was a random act of thought that genuinely allowed someone to feel important because that person thought to spend the day with you, steering clear of the distractions that come with modern technology. The 90’s were a time where you actually had to worry about someone if they ran twenty minutes late; it indicated that something might have gone wrong, igniting a sense of concern among friends. Technology was young and we were young with it, imbibing every innovation with a sense of wonder. The world was changing and evolving at a pace that felt exhilarating yet daunting. Just like the Industrial Revolution, we had our very own revolution, and it was technology, transforming every aspect of our daily lives.
The 90’s was so magical for us that we never cared about the hidden dangers of what technology could do; we were too enthralled by the promises it held. In the 90’s, I think a pivotal moment for us was when 9/11 happened, shaking the very foundation of our beliefs about safety and security; this event ushered in a world where we all learned that the wonders of technology didn’t even protect us from the hidden dangers from the outside. We witnessed a terrorist attack and we even witnessed a war following, connecting our joyful memories of technological advancement to somber realities we weren’t prepared to face. And even after, some of us went to fight in that war and later learned the truths behind it, confronting the discomfort of a duality that was hard to reconcile.
We seen many technologies grow and then become obsolete in a short period of time, as innovation raced ahead of us, often leaving cherished memories behind. Once we had the greatest and biggest thing, it was on to the next biggest and greatest thing, creating a relentless cycle of consumption and upgrade. It didn’t matter what it was; I feel like everyone has their picks on collections, whether it was action figures, video games, or CD collections, each representation of nostalgia interwoven with our social fabric.
We were amazed by the world around us that suddenly, amidst our boundless creativity and fascination, we started to be blurred by our own creations. We started to lose the connection piece of friendships, with the charm of spontaneous visits giving way to texts and online chats, pushing the boundaries of what it meant to connect in an age where technology promised to make things easier, yet in some ways made them feel emptier. The magic of the 90’s, with all its stirring moments and evolving technologies, now serves as a bittersweet reminder of the balance we must strive to find in our technologically driven lives. Humans are disconnected now more than ever, distracted by what started to be an evolution is now an enemy, a threat that binds to us that we can never get away from. Look around you I bet you can count more than three people holding a phone. It’s like now we depend on it or I feel at least I do.
Stand Strong: My Journey Back to Me 