​Wireless, But Not Effortless

The mantra that the world is going global has existed long before I started walking. Make no mistake, we have evolved since then. From being able to get global service, to having online stores like Temu, Alibaba and the rest of them, to the rise of electric cars and even being able to connect with people from continents across the world. But sometimes I wonder whether every invention truly makes life easier, the way it was meant to. We were on our way to the lake for our usual weekend escape. A family tradition that came around every two months. I loved the long drive: counting the different trees that blurred past, feeling the cool breeze sneak in through the window, pretending the journey itself was the destination. My head rested against the window glass while my older brother drove. My parents were joining us the next day, so for now it was just the four of us: two brothers, my sister, and I packed tightly into the car with too many bags and not enough legroom. Halfway down the highway, my brother decided the trip needed a proper soundtrack. He connected his phone to the car’s Bluetooth and began scrolling for the perfect song. There was only one problem: his battery was clinging to life. That’s when he reached for a wireless car charger. I couldn’t help but chuckle every time he needed to change the song. Instead of simply picking up his phone, he had to ask my sister to pass it or switch the track for him, which slowly became exhausting. Under his breath, he kept insisting he preferred a wired connection. The irony wasn’t lost on me. Technology promised convenience, yet here we were coordinating a playlist like it was a group project. Sometimes the future feels advanced. Other times, it just feels slightly overcomplicated.