Microsoft is tweaking Windows 11 to make copying and pasting text and images easier because apparently, we haven’t quite mastered Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V yet, or are too lazy. I guess the real question is, are we devolving as a species, or is Microsoft just really bored?
The impact here is arguable, but fine, let’s play along. Imagine a world where Grandma can finally copy that cat meme she saw on Facebook and paste it into her chain email without accidentally sending you the recipe for her famous tuna casserole. Or, conversely, think about all the new ways scammers can refine their phishing emails, making it easier to steal your bank account information. Yay, progress!
Multiple perspectives? Sure, there’s the perspective of people who think this is a godsend – probably the same folks who need a GPS to find the bathroom. And then there’s the perspective of us old-timers who remember when computers didn’t hold your hand every damn step of the way. Now, where’s my DOS prompt?
The So What? boils down to this: Microsoft is trying to make things easier, but ease often comes at the expense of something else. In this case, maybe a little bit of critical thinking. Will this change the world? Nah. Will it mildly inconvenience those of us who like things the way they are? Maybe. Will it give the tech blogs something to write about? Definitely.
Let’s consider the ripple effect: someone finds one less thing to complain about when trying to do even the simplest of tasks; someone is happier; that someone is slightly more productive; Microsoft makes more money; Bill Gates buys another yacht. Did my sarcasm confuse or brighten your day, if only a little?
Here is my closing statement: It is all part of a grand plan to turn us all into obedient, mindless drones, dependent on Microsoft for every aspect of our digital lives. Or, you know, maybe it’s just a minor UI tweak that no one will notice in six months. What if you were not told what to think, but learned how to think? Would the world of tech be less annoying?
Just something to think about next time you’re struggling to copy and paste a picture of your ex’s new girlfriend.
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