Computer Dating Circa 1965

In 1965, two students at Mankato State University completed a match-making questionnaire. Someone punched the answers onto a data card, and the cards were run though this new contraption called a computer. Two people were matched with each other, and after a comedy of errors, ended up married with a family. An early computer date. I am a product of that marriage and digital connection. Long, long before eHarmony, computers were at my roots. I

was raised with a computer by my side for my entire childhood. I am one of the first to remember only a digital world. My memories include early dial up, and the musical notes of a modem connecting over the phone line.

Many people have expressed concern about this latest generation of digital kids. The worry is that they will not be able to think, write, or connect to other humans except through a device.

I am here to say that this generation will be okay. We need to guide them to leave their phones away from the dinner table. That watching wildlife is as interesting as watching a show. We need to teach them that there is a proper time to be connected, and a time to unplug. But, I can read. And write. And think.

Today’s kids will be okay with your help.


*What is your first connection to the computerized world?
*When do you remember using your first machine?
*And when do you remember realizing that your digital ties were so deep that they define who you are?