As we all have seen some tough economic times in the past year, the rush of new web technologies continues to advance as more and more people gain access to high speed and continue to connect with each other through Web 2.0 web sites. This can be a blessing, or time for people to sit back and rethink how technology shapes our society and our economy.

Ever think we would come to a day when we actually would have legislation regulating our cell phone usage? I did not think they would actually ban talking on the cell phone, but seriously, texting and driving is not safe and I am glad that has been banned where I live. I just need to now obey the law, which is tough when I just must get an email out while on the road. Which brings to mind a thought. Whenever we have been faced with a problem, we humans are quite resilient to come up with a solution of some sorts. We now have software that allows us to compose emails through voice. I really need to get that software, which I am sure I will order with my new Blackberry.

The problem with technology, I think, is Moore's Law, which says the number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated circuit has doubled approximately every two years. What this really means is that technology is advancing at an alarming rate, and with new updates in technology comes the need to upgrade. Many phone carriers have two or three year contracts, but the phone companies keep coming up with new and exciting upgrades in their technology in intervals far too soon. That means that before my contract ends, a new smart phone comes out that I simply must have because it is way too cool, and what is so smart about that?

Ah, technology advances. I think I am going to the store now to actually feel how that optical track works on the Blackberry Bold 9700. Too bad my contract with the other phone ends only in nine months.