Oh, digital experiences. As Forrest Gump said, you can never be sure what you will get. One minute you may be checking your email and the next moment you might find yourself deep in an obscure subreddit. Click here.

We’ll talk about the unpredictable thrills and dull moments of our online world. Did you ever notice that one minute you were setting an alarm, and the next you were navigating in a social networking jungle? Like swinging from one vine to another, hoping you don’t fall into the pit of endless scrolling. The essence of digital experiences is simple enough to make one feel like an expert, yet complex enough to cause you to stumble.

This is where personalization comes in. It’s almost like a digital shadow that follows you around, displaying ads for the shoes you looked up at 3 AM. Creepy? A little. Convenient? Absolutely. The customization of our online journeys makes them more relevant. But it also causes us to have a dilemma in terms of privacy. Imagine leaving breadcrumbs on your path. These only reveal what you like and dislike.

Interactivity also is important. Remember when just watching TV was enough? Now we’re expected vote, click or swipe. It’s almost like digital devices are trying to make us do hokey pokey things with them. Even though it’s cool to voice your opinion or customize your avatar in video games (I look at you purple Mohawk), the standard for making everything accessible is raised. Since, let’s be honest, not everyone can dance hokey pokey at the identical pace.

We’ll touch on blockchain technology without letting our minds spin. In layman’s terms, it is meant to make the world safer and introduce concepts like DeFi. (which sounds like a weight loss plan but in reality is about finance.) It promises big improvements in our digital interactions – imagine less “Wild West,” and more “organized chaotic.”

We’re on the digital wave, which is at once exciting and overwhelming. Every login is a journey; every download of an app is a promise to discover something new. No longer is it just about getting to your destination; now, you can enjoy the ride.

As we continue the journey through this pixelated landscape remember that it’s ok to feel empowered by technology, but also intimidated. In fact, the ability to balance our digital experience is what makes it so human.

And who knows. Perhaps one day, we will be able walk across the keyboard with the grace of an unintentionally brilliant cat. (and patience). Have fun tinting. Create a playlist for your road trip that does not repeat any tracks or musicians. If you approach these strategies with a positive attitude, and perhaps a touch of humor, who knows what wonderful sounds you may discover without breaking the budget! Everyone begins somewhere. And it is usually by saying the word “hello,” incorrectly, at least once. Happy learning. Locals will point you to the nearest party. Be right in the middle and make memories.