Sister: Yeah, I witnessed the development of technology, like Apple and Samsung. When I was 7 or 8, I couldn't remember, I got my first phone which was the iPhone 3GS, which was tiny, and the camera was terrible. If I wanted to listen to music, I would need to plug in the earphones. And then I got my next phone which was iPhone 5s, which was a lot better. And then iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and 15 Promax. The internet, the camera, and everything have been gradually developed and the technology has been advanced. People have a better life quality and become happier.

Me: You mentioned that we are happier due to the advancement of life qualities, but people who grew up without the internet and other high techs were happy because they focused on their real lives, right?

Sister: It depends. Like parents would say how hard their lives used to be but how happy they were, but the fact is as our lives are getting better, we are becoming happier. Our lives are more colorful and we have got a variety of activities that they did not have. What they did every day was to go out of their houses and play chasing games and stuff, but we, who have more choices, can go to a cafe or a mall or play games and watch TV series with our friends. We indeed have to work harder than them though, study isn't a really unhappy thing.

Me: Oh yes I think you are right. Dad told me when I wasn't born you went to Pakistan for tourism but you met a war going on. How did it feel?

Sister: I have been to so many countries in Middle Asia and the Middle East where wars have been going on because of religion. I remember it was when I was 6 I first heard the sound of a bullet flying out of a gun. Mom and I were at a swimming pool and Dad was out with his colleagues, and then I heard a boob a few blocks away from where we were and the ground started shaking. People were screaming and running around. After all, Dad told me it was a terrorist attack. We all were scared to death at that time.

Mom: Technology definitely helps society and people in multiple aspects. First, when I was little, we did not have televisions with colors or AC, so when summer came we could not stay at home doing homework but go out with friends. Therefore, we really did not have such a nice living environment as we do. Also, you guys can have AI and those high techs to help with studying.

Me: But we face more serious peer pressure than you do, so you are happier and less stressed. Am I right?

Mom: Yes, I kind of agree with you. When I was in middle school, of course, I did not have as much workload as you do, and I did not have tutoring or any other extra curriculum, so we focused more on real life and what was happening around us, feeling genuinely happy about things in reality. But your generations are totally different due to the advancement of technology. You need to work harder and more diligently to be outstanding because there are more people. What's more, you guys don't pay attention to reality and tend to spend time on your phones, games, and social media. Your happiness comes from virtuality rather than things truly happening around you, and this kind of happiness doesn't last long.

Me: I got your point. I heard that your generation saw the biggest economic growth in China. How did that affect you and even our family's life?

Mom: You are right that I grew up in the economic growth, and right after I finished my college degree your dad and I moved to here, Hong Kong, where your sister and you were born. We both have had decent jobs since 2005 and that was because of the economic growth. That's why your sister has spent that much money living in Manhattan and we have traveled around the world since you were 4.

Today is Friday! I finally made it to the end of the week! Today everyone went on the trip to Busch Gardens so there were only a few people I knew at school. Mr. Council's room was so surprisingly quiet when I stepped into it and saw only two people sitting in front of their iPads. And then we had a silent class, which was incredibly rare. And then I went to Ms. Ravi's room where 4 people were sitting in their seats. Another silent class. What shocked me was I could not find my science teacher so I wandered around the campus and finally sat in the quad, reading a book and watching YouTube shorts. It was until 2:30 p.m. I left the quad and headed to the academy building to meet my swimming coach, bathing in the warm sunshine. Everyone was ready for the championship and was excited to see how fast the competitors would be. After falling asleep on the bus for an hour, we got to Saint Andrew's School and changed quickly to get into the nice pool. There were so many people I could not even find a seat. I had my new records in the 50 yard breaststroke and 50 yard freestyle and got second place and first place on each. I was so happy setting new records and competing relays with my friends. It was tiring but fun!