Radios

As popular as they are today, personal computers have not always been a common item in most households. Although we grew up being familiar with types of technologies like computers, in chapter 11 of the textbook states that PC’s were not considered a necessity until 2006. “In 1996, a home computer was considered by most a luxury item. By 2006, 51% of the adult public considered a home computer a necessity (Taylor, Funk, & Clark, 2006).” When I read this I was shocked because I honestly do not remember a time in my life without using a computer, but my parents do. Because it was once considered a luxury item, my dad (who did not grow up with many luxuries) said he did not use a computer until he was a grown man. Fast forward to now, he uses huge, expensive computers everyday while working and he was even able to purchase Surface Laptops for my mom, sister, and I. He has his own as well (provided by his work) and he sometimes asks for my help when making a PowerPoint presentation, ...

For as long as I can remember, using the radio has always been so common for me.  From being a little girl and listening to the radio with my dad while he would work in his shop, to know being 20 years old and listening to the radio in the car while I drive. I do believe that the use of radios is not as common as it was when my great grandparents were around, however I do still see my grandparents as well as other elder folks use the radio as a source for their news. Chapter 2 of the textbook states: “the 1930 penetration of the radio sets in American households reached 40%, then approximately doubled over the next 10 years, passing 90% by 1947.” This means that when our great grandparents were young, the radio was the most common and “exciting” type of technology they had. The radio has evolved greatly since 1947, and I hope that it continues to evolve.