What would life be without computers?

Stay restricted in a country that allows only its propaganda politics and daily newscasts in the newspaper. Go back to queuing in long lines, waiting your turn to use the coin-operated phone booths. The sting of sweaty armpits mixed with cheap perfume fills the air, and people like me would run away from the stench. If the booth breaks down or the coin slot is full, the crowd curses the last user or the phone company for not installing more booths.

Some shopkeepers provide pay phones at 50 cents a call, all under the blazing, sticky sun. The only truly safe place to make a call is at home. Playing games online would be like buying an arcade TV game or a pinball set connected to the television.

Any overseas article you want to read is only available in imported magazines or newspapers, already outdated by at least 24 hours. No more spoiled eyes from scrolling screens—just thick glasses to read the fine print about auctioned properties, land for sale, or foreclosures. Jobs are listed only in the newspaper. Obituaries are printed there too.

Television broadcasts only the news the authorities want their people to hear, keeping the population deliberately ignorant under layers of bureaucracy. Traveling abroad is advertised through large spreads in the newspaper. Banking requires standing in line at the counter, waiting with everyone else.