The General Theory of RIAtivity

Guest Blogger: Carly Chillmon

While it pains me to make a Haley-Joel Osment reference, I feel the need to reach out to the tech community and ask you to pay it forward. Not all of us are tech savvy or willing to spend over $100 a month on a data plan. But, I am thankful for those who choose to share their Wi-Fi in public locations. No, I do not own an iPhone or Android smartphone. No,I do not want to spend money so I can be Internet ready at all times. Yes, I do need to use the Internet at times while writing. As a graduate student, my laptop is my friend. It is my almost constant companion at a local coffee shop or bar. While many fine establishments share the love of Wi-Fi, many still choose to secure their networks like Fort Knox. Let’s think rationally for a moment: I do not go to food and/or drink establishments to hack their accounts or steal identities. I want to check my e-mail, browse the Net, and even check my Facebook account. So, why are we still so weary of sharing Wi-Fi? Have we become so possessive that the mere thought of sharing becomes unthinkable? What happened to sharing means caring?

So, for all of you tech-capable (both in usage and financial means) people, please extend a guest network to your fellow human beings. Wear a button that says “I Share Wi-Fi” and I will give you a hug and then go back to my laptop cave and socially network via the web.  Or put a little tent card on your table that says ” iCare. iShare.” You can even name your network “Guy/ Girl in the Blue Shirt” and I will give you a smile and wave of approval. Perhaps it can work as an icebreaker and you can meet the future woman/man of your dreams. Think of the possibilities and social opportunities. Can’t we all just get along? Let’s promote a real shared connection. Give me your Wi-Fi. Pay it forward. Thanks.

Carly Chillmon is a doctoral candidate in Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She currently resides in Seattle, Washington. Besides enjoying free Wi-Fi, she enjoys sarcasm, the White Sox, and her dog Ryely.