Evolution of phones and fingers

When I was born telephones were rotary dial. To use the phone one needed to place the index finger in the circle dial and spin the dial for each digit in the phone number. Phones evolved to push button phones which used a tone to connect the phone to the proper number. The handset and base, with the numbers to push, were separate which made it easiest to dial by pushing the buttons with your index finger. Back then the telephone companies required you rent your phone. When the government broke up Ma Bell people could affordably purchase their own phone. The trimline phone became the rage. The handset and push buttons were one unit. Thus, I began to use my thumb to dial numbers. Phones became cordless and the thumb continued to rule.

Then the wireless phone was born. My first wireless phone was provided to me by my employer at the time, a radio station. It was basically a car battery with a phone attached. The phone buttons were on the outside of the handset which was easier to dial using an index finder. I graduated to a fully installed car phone and continued to dial in my car with my index finger and in my home with my thumb. My first personal cell phone was a Nokia. I was thrilled beyond belief. I had two little ones and would finally be connected while driving on road trips. Because the buttons were much smaller I would dial with my index finger, unless I used one touch dialing and then I would use my thumb. My phones evolved and then I had a Motorola Razr. The first text message I sent was from this stylish pink phone. When I sent a text I used my index finger- and sometimes I had to push a digit three times for the correct letter to appear.

At the urging of my husband I eventually switched to a smart phone- the iPhone 3G. At the time I wasn’t sure why I needed an iPhone; but I have since counted my iPhone as an essential limb to my body. Since I was used to using my index finger to type, I continued to use my index finder to text, type notes and search things on the internet. I couldn’t “feel” the buttons so an index finger made sense. I’ve had many iPhones now and am currently typing this message on an iPhone 8 plus.

At the urging of my kids I placed “type with my thumbs” on my Year of 50 list. I was skeptical about the need for this to be accomplished this year.  I expected friends of the same generation to suggest I cut this from the list as it wasn’t important, and was in fact silly.  The opposite happened.  Most pulled out their phones to check how they type.  Of course they all typed with their thumbs!  They then proceeded to laugh and told me it was time to learn.

When we returned from Africa both kids would text me at different times and encourage me to practice typing with my thumbs. They’d help me by having long conversations through texting. It worked! I can safely say that I now have the muscle memory and after two months the habit has been formed.

I have evolved into a thumb typing adult, sure to impress the younger generation or at least not look like someone who is old. 

This post was brought and delivered to you courtesy of my two thumbs. :)  #40✔