Dr. Conchita L. Manabat l July 10, 2024 l Business Mirror
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” —Albert Einstein
RECALLING back my limited experience with technology as applied, I can only say, the innovations in the last three decades sometimes make me forget the past. The youth of today would not be able to imagine how my generation and those before managed to live and work.
Taking the CPA licensure examinations in the ‘60s involved use of fountain pen and all computations were done “long-hand.” One had to write legibly so the examiners would be able to appreciate the narrative, if needed and to understand the computations that should be presented well. It took almost a year for the results to be released so, the “agony” was long. Now, the examinations are in multiple choice (just shade the chosen answer) and results are released shortly after the last segment of the examinations.
Working for an accounting firm introduced one to use calculators with tape that took time to process the entries complemented by sound coming from the machine occupying space on one’s desk. One carried working papers to be referred to during client’s meetings. Everything was handed in type-written reports. The accounting firm’s set up included a typing and printing pool. Typists did their work with enviable speed using electronic typewriters.
Executives dictated their letters and memos to their secretaries who were proficient in stenography. Then, the draft would be typed for review. With the corrections, the final letters/memos will be typed by the secretary for last look and signature by the executives. Reports/memos were delivered to intended recipients. If the addressees were outside the office, a messenger would do the task while inter-office will be delivered to the secretary or assistant or the addressee. Meetings were scheduled thru secretaries or assistants to be tabled based on consultations with the parties concerned. All meetings were in person.
With desktops, laptops and tablets, there are no more physical working papers and written reports to carry. Everything may be sent electronically. Discussions may be online. Automatically, the highlights of online discussions may be generated quickly.
When one is traveling, all phone calls beyond the area coverage of the phone were long-distance calls with corresponding costs. It was quite expensive especially, if the calls were overseas. There were even party-lines especially for residential phones. It took a lot of time and even influence to get a phone installed. Phones became handheld first – a big one the ownership thereof was sort of “status symbol.” Then, innovations made things small that one can wear a phone now that used to be unimaginable.
Not to be left behind, Cable and telegram (at a cost) were before the means to communicate, now, replaced by emails, messenger/viber/whatsapp/wechat messages, etc. Today, messaging and even person to person calls do not cost anything anymore.
There are many more changes in our midst.
Now, there is artificial intelligence (AI). It is considered “The Thing!”
Speeches, studies, business plans and more may be AI generated–good composition with “substance.” Information is available online–no need to go to the library. A car can be programmed to bring you to a designated place without a driver. One can do banking without going to the bank. When you eat at a restaurant, you may order with the gadget on the table that gives you the bill as well. We are now in the midst of transformations in all aspects of life!
Clearly, technology has driven all of these transformations. Efficiency is achieved. What could be next? Aside from this basic question, I have other more concerning queries. Is there a sense of ease of life now? Are we happier? Is our life’s purpose clearer and achievable? Is our reason for being within better reach now than before?
Or is our humanity and our relationships, being diminished more and more by technology?
*** Conchita L. Manabat is the President of the Development Center for Finance, a Trustee at the University of San Carlos and San Carlos School, Cebu City. She is a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Council of the Public Interest Oversight Board and chairs the Advisory Council of the International Association of Financial Executives Institutes.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines or the BusinessMirror. Photo from Pinterest.