Today, especially as teens in the U.S., we are so immersed in new technological advances that many go by unnoticed or ignored. Every so often though, there are those that really strike me as amazing; the ChaCha being on of them. Computer-automated text message answer services like Google SMS have been around for some time. However, unlike these computer generated answers, ChaCha texts answers searched and selected, directly by real people. From questions like "Who is Odysseus's wife in Homer's The Odyssey?" to ones like "When is Brad Pitt's birthday?", all questions can either be text messeged to "ChaCha" (242242) or phoned to 1.800.2ChaCha. The question is sent to a guide who searches ChaCha approved internet sources, and finds a reliable answer. In a text messege of 160 characters or less, the answer is sent back to the questionnare in a few moments, free of charge. Although it is a definite technological advancement, and a time saving service, I can't help but wonder if the popularity of ChaCha and resources of the same nature, ultimately reveal the laziness of the U.S. Internet equipped cell phone are becoming more and more common, like the iPhone. The only difference between using ChaCha and personally looking up the question is the step of filtering the may searches and finding the one, reliable source. True, ChaCha protrays the brilliancy of modern technology and it's focus on convenience for the millions of busy Americans. I guess it can be said, when ever, and where ever we are, America wants the answers now.
2 comments:
I definently agree with ChaCha making you more lazy. Whenever I am really behind on a report I go to ChaCha.com and they always either give me the direct answer or many sites I can look at. This site is a great site and helps a lot, but I agree that it is showing the laziness of the people today.
Hey Jane!
Okay, I'll admit it. I grabbed a piece of paper and pen and wrote down the number for "ChaCha" right after I read your post! However, I definitely agree with you about the fact that technology (like this) is making people more lazy and encouraging us to do less work. Even though this is a great resource to use in those last minute situations, the laziness could be a little bit of a problem. I'm interested to see what kind of new technology comes out that might add to the laziness!
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