There’s a story about an older fish crossing currents with two younger fish. The older fish makes small talk by asking, “How’s the water today, fellas?” Almost in unison, the younger fish reply, “Fine,” as they continue on their way. Then one of the younger fish turns to the other and asks, “What the heck is water?”
Of course, the moral of the story is that the younger fish have been so busy doing fish things that they’ve never noticed the most obvious element of their environment.
We’re reaching a saturation point in our environment where digital technology is standard and so deeply embedded that we barely even notice it, let alone question it. We’re busy doing our human things.
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A question like “Why is there a screen in the gas pump showing highlights from a late-night talk show?” hardly seems worth asking. Exploring how all of this technology affects us, our families and society can seem like a quirky curiosity. Just enjoy it, right?