Subjective Objectivism

Technology is no substitute for common sense.

Given the number of different, varied and complex technologies that goes into our everyday lives, even the simple act of reading this very post, I would be the last person to say that technology isn’t one of the most awesome things we have going for us.

Unfortunately there will also always be people who abuse it. Or simply don’t know how to use it properly:

A Czech lorry driver was stranded for three nights in south-west England after his satellite navigation system directed him down a narrow country lane, British newspapers reported Friday. – [Yahoo/AFP]

OK, obviously, there has been a large number of similar GPS navigation system related mishaps recorded, and probably even many more that we never got to hear about. And I can understand that many people rely heavily on their GPS navigation systems, but there is still one small problem I still have difficulties wrapping my head around.

Under what logical rule set would you ignore what your eyes are telling you based on what the GPS navigation system is telling you? Seriously. If you come to a bridge that says it’s out of order, but your GPS navigation says that’s the route you should take, under which common sense rules does it make sense to continue past the highly visible warning signs, and obvious construction markings, ultimately ending up in the river?

Honestly, if, as a truck driver, a given route seemed like it might be too narrow to navigate, why would what your GPS navigation systems information over ride what your own eyes are telling you? People, please remember, technology is only as useful as the people who use it. It is no replacement for using your head.

In fact most of the time, the gray matter in your old noggin is the most valuable piece of technology available to. Please use it. That’s what it’s there for.

Czech lorry stuck for three days after sat-nav blunder – [Yahoo/AFP]

Tags: Abuse, Bad Ideas, Common Sense, Computer, Driving, England, GPS