I just never thought it could happen to me. I mean, I’m young and active- isn’t this a problem for older men? But no; the sad raw truth is that I have all the symptoms:
- no unexplainable disappearances into the electronics section of retail stores
- fewer conversation with strangers based solely on their portable electronic devices
- the strange ability to buy only what one came into the electronics store for
- getting a gift card and walking around a giant electronics store without raising one morose eyebrow at a single box packaged in glossy, seductive packaging with really amazing specifications and packed with a scintillating array of gadgets and the accompanying cable fever.
For me, it was the last symptom that really nailed down the diagnosis. It’s really unnerving. I’m less of a American because I’m not buying. Of course, I know there are others who are struggling just like me, but I feel so alone. I’m sure I could find a support group on the internet or call somebody on my cell phone, but this digital apathy pervades all aspects of my life. My past indulgences in all things electronic made me a one-time the envy of the block. Now I’m imprisoned by my own gadgetry. No matter what I try, I can’t fix myself: reading gadget magazines with their full page fold-out shots; hearing about some new sci-fi fiction turned reality like holographic storage; wandering slowly through my favorite stores. It’s all in vain, and somewhere deep inside, I know this already.
This Geek Drive, this force that propelled me to lose sleep for so many nights and strain my eyes over and over, has betrayed me and has left me empty of desire and passion.
I’ve lost my Geek Drive.
Is there a pill for this?