Is Technology Making Us Dumber?

   Not long ago I got a call from a customer asking for directions to the shop. Now, I’ve successfully directed people from Milwaukee, South Bend, Peoria, and every point of the compass since before navigation systems were invented. I know how to get someone here from just about anywhere.
   These days, navigation systems are standard on some cars. You would think I’d never have to direct another customer again, but they still call. I guess it’s easier just to make a call than look it up on google maps or, God forbid, unfold a paper map before setting out. This particular lady was close enough that it was a matter of one or two turns. No GPS required. I gave her those directions, she thanked me, and hung up.
   A little while later she called back on the verge of tears. It was getting close to closing time and she was “hopelessly lost.” A simple instruction like “turn left on 111th” appeared to be too much for her. She said she desperately needed something and asked me to wait for her.
   When your store sells fake poo and artificial vomit, you’re not selling needs, just wants. Still, I played along. I asked where she was. She didn’t know. What direction was she heading? Not sure. Can you see the sun? It’s cloudy. Then I asked if her car had a navigation system. Yes it does. “Hallelujah,” I thought. “I still might get home in time for supper.”
   Here’s where it got strange.
   “OK,” I said, “just enter our address: 644...”
   “I can’t,” she said.
   “Why not.”
   “It won’t let me.”
   “Is it broken?”
   “No, it won’t let me do it while I’m driving.”
   “So just pull over.”
   Her response was silence, as if I’d been speaking in a foreign language. For some reason, pulling over and entering an address didn’t appear to be an option for her. Moving her attention from the road ahead while driving was a better option than doing it from the safety of a non-moving vehicle.
   It seems the more our devices try to save us from ourselves, the more we try to circumvent their safety features.
   I don’t know if she ever made it. Supper was calling and I knew how to get there.