Herald Opinion: What has happened to the simple things in life?

In the early mornings for the past few days, as the sun rays beamed through the curtains onto my weary eyes, it filled me with a happy positive energy as I rose to attack the day.

It reminded me of a period in my childhood when I received a hammock as a gift. I tied the hammock between two trees in Dixie Thompson’s field next to our home and during periods of fine weather I’d go out and lie in the hammock to get away from it all and to soak in the rays. As I laid there comfortably in the sun with my eyes closed, I’d listen as the cattle munched on the grass, birds sang in the trees and the humming from machinery in the distance echoed through the hills and valleys of our locality. I suppose as a child it was just refreshing to be immersed in our natural surroundings. It was real.

As a simple man with simple needs, it’s something that stayed with me into adulthood and as a form of escapism I often picture myself on that hammock on the more stressful days.

We all have so much access to technology and news feeds, but sometimes I need to withdraw from the constant negative news headlines.

I was left scratching my ever-multiplying grey head recently with talk about AI being introduced to correct school exam papers. Does this mean students can also use it? Personally, I’m not one for AI, but inconsistencies also tend to fry my brain. Surely in this instance, to put it plainly, if it's good for the goose it must be made good for the gander or it's complete hypocrisy?

I prefer the thought of encouraging the next generation to think for themselves and not have to continually refer to an app that they perceive will make them better. Be happy and content with who you are, without all the BS filters.

I also prefer the thought of an experienced teacher deciding on the grade of a student. Why risk undermining those who are qualified to educate us?

I recall words and advice from a fantastic schoolteacher I had before entering an exam “whatever you do, write with feeling, something with emotion.” Can AI detect emotion, feelings, and tone? Or what advice will I get from my phone entering the exam hall? One thing that is certain, you better remember to charge it the night before and that the Wi-Fi isn’t down.

From my personal viewpoint the world we live in is becoming less and less authentic by the second. It can be difficult to decipher what is real and what is artificial. As time moves on, this is probably only going to get worse.

Thankfully, from my perspective our locality is still full of genuine and real people. If I hear anyone say that you can’t find one, then be one.

On that note I wish to assure you that the words you are currently reading here are not generated by an app. They are compiled by a tired, worn out, but happy father after a busy evening outside with his sons where I was surrounded with real, genuine and fun people.

As I type on my keyboard the band Keane’s song which plays in the background is fitting of my mindset “Oh, simple thing, where have you gone? I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on. “ Til next time, keep it real! I’m heading back on a trip to the hammock!