The Future of Us Technology and Modernization Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Chapter, Paragraph

Quote #7

I shift my paper bag to the other hand and say, as casually as possible, "What do scientists think about time travel?"

She lifts her tray up to her chin and pinches a fry with her teeth. "Why?"

"I'm just curious," I say. "Back to the Future was on cable last night." (9.34-36)

Here's the problem with encountering the future: Chances are decent no one will believe you. Here we see Emma trying to play it cool while asking Kellan whether scientists take time travel seriously.

Quote #8

Tyson's towel is wrapped tight around his waist. He reaches beneath it to pull off his gym shorts. "I tried getting my dad to buy me a beeper for my birthday," he says, "but he thinks only doctors and drug dealers need them." (18.3)

Pagers were another technological fad of the 90s. Usually worn on a belt loop, you could beep someone to get in touch with them—think of it as like the pre-text message device. Tyson's complaining that he really wants one but his dad doesn't think he has any use for it.

Quote #9

"An instant message!" Emma scrambles off the bed. "I've never gotten one of these before."

I cross my legs and turn toward the computer.

"The screen name says it's from DontCallMeCindy," Emma says. "I have no idea who that is, but she's asking if I'm the Emma Nelson who goes to Lake Forest." As she taps at the keys, Emma tells me what she's writing. "Tell me who you are first." (26.87)

Instant message is a new thing in the 90s, and in order to use it, you had to come up with a screen name. But while the Internet might be newfangled tech, Emma's already savvy to playing it safe online—you see how she's careful not to tell some random person who she is? You go, girl.