.5 in the 2000s

Born in the 2000s, I grew up with a Windows PC that took forever to boot up. I often find myself reminiscing on the earlier days of technology, before it became an addiction or a way to drown out all the noise. Back then, technology wasn't as efficient or advanced, but it didn't need to be. Because everything was slower, I was present and immersed in the digital world rather than distracted and unable to watch a video for more than 5 minutes. 

Not all technological advancements have been detrimental. In 2019, Apple and Samsung released the .5 wide-angle lens to the latest smartphones. The .5 selfie became a trend and phenomenon amongst Gen Z that I personally fall into. It reminded me that the internet can be simply silly, and that technology can add to our lives instead of taking away our time. 

I thought combining my nostalgia for the 2000s with my love of silly 2010-2020s trends could be a good reminder to go outside. As much as I wish for simpler days, I cannot go back in time and stop the advancement of technology. Recreating the infamous Windows PC wallpaper while being interrupted by a girl doing the .5 selfie reminds me to slow down and maybe take a break from screens. Otherwise, the girl will remain staring into my soul while I scroll. And if I do so choose to scroll, I can have a little laugh before I go into the abyss of the web.