We're in the second decade of the new millennium, and times have changed a lot since we left the '90s. Once-elusive gadgets like laptops, media players, and even mobile phones have become so ubiquitous, it's hard to imagine how we got by before they came along.
As tech writers, we here at Techie have to evolve as well. Just as the real world has changed, so must the way we write about it. And we should start by trashing the following overused tech jargons:
1. Information superhighway
First used in 1978 by Al Gore, "information superhighway" sounds as though it's a major thoroughfare out of Tron. Truth is, this is just an ambiguous, albeit fancy, way to refer to the Internet or to the many communication lines we have available today.
2. Surfing the Net/Web
Come on, does anybody really "surf" nowadays? In the age of Web 2.0, we "Google", "YouTube," "Wikipedia," and "Facebook." We dictate and/or control most of what we want from the Web instead of just passively riding with the wave.
3. Synergy/convergence
1 + 1 = 3! WHOA! Buzzwords like these are just designed to sell... or to make some corporate stooge sound smart in front of suits. The fact is, "synergy" and "convergence" are just another way of referring to a gadget or a service that does more than one thing. We're in the age of multitasking, and the mystique of such technologies has disappeared.
4. Digital divide
"Digital divide" is the tech equivalent of "generation gap." It shows how older folks are less likely to embrace new technologies (such as the Internet) compared to young people. It still exists, but as programmers and developers veer toward building more user-friendly programs, the divide is no longer as divisive as it was in the past. Don't believe us? Just ask Lola Techie!
5. World Wide Web
World Wide Web... rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it? Truth is, it sounds too geeky even for everyday conversation. We dare you to tell your friend that you found a funny video from the "World Wide Web" and not get a reaction.
6. Cellular phone
Seriously, not since the days of Mobiline and Extelcom has "cellular phone" been used by normal people. The adjective "cellular" was used to distinguish your mobile from your PLDT (or Bayan) landline. Nowadays, it's the opposite, and calling it a "phone" is just fine.
7. Portal
Not to be confused with the highly addictive game, "portal" refers to a one-stop site that surfers (uck) could go to and find all the information they could ask for. But, again, since Web 2.0 is all about users taking control of the Internet, portals per se are obsolete – except for when you use it to come up with a cool name like PEP.ph.
8. Internet cafe
A place where you can access the Web and chillax with a tall cup of mocha frap... come on, get real! How many computer shops still serve Starbucks-caliber coffee nowadays? Sticky spillage is a big no-no, especially when you're dealing with expensive PC gaming keyboards and mice.
9. MP3 player
This was doomed from the start, especially with the adjective "MP3" limiting it to one particular file. The technologically correct way to call them is "portable media player" or "PMP" for short.
10. Digital revolution
Everything is digital now. The revolution is over. Go to bed.
Trollface via Encyclopedia Dramatica