I realized some years ago as I was typing that, much like speaking english, I articulate ideas via my keyboard onto the computer without pre-thinking their content. I was very pleased, then, to be able to say that in some sense I was fluent in two "languages," one verbal and one as physical as sign language. I'm certain that others have put two and two together and used the same terminology as I to describe this, but what's important is understanding its underlying meaning. By removing the noise, the stuttering, the translation between mind and computer, we make ourselves more present and more available to the internet's vast social network. I'm so thankful that a portion of my elementary and middle school education went toward learning such a valuable skill, and i'm upset that elderly individuals who still "peck" at their keyboards are hindered not only in their speed of internet relation but also symbolic depth.

As long as we're humans occupying our current physical form, transcending the mind-digital interface begins by achieving fluency in typing. Assuming one is fluent in typing, WPM better defines speed of thought than speed of typing, ignoring dexterity limitations.


Next step, ditch the keyboards!



In other news, did you know that some adults pay their administrative assistants to do their internet research, because they don't know how? I think we take our navigatory skills for granted...lost in the internet and unable to find your way. How sad!