Computer Lessons from Pipi Quinlan; The Somewhat Tech-Savvy Three-Year-Old
Stating that the internet has changed life as we know it is an understatement of epic proportions.
Still, even for those who understand the power of the internet, it is hard to imagine stories like that of Miss Pipi Quinlan, certainly not prior to the technology age. But her story offers some critical lessons for those of every age.
For those who missed it:
Three-Year Old Purchases Excavator Online
Young Pipi Quinlan had, at last, been given permission to use the family computer. Of course, at three-years-old she was still a tad on the youngish side for such permission and her access had been allowed for but a week when she made internet history.
You see, her mom had done what so many of us do (here’s the first place we all need to pay attention). Ms. Quinlan had asked the computer to store log-in information to make it easier to bring up those sites she would use frequently.
Mom had set up such a log-in on an auction site which Pipi then managed to reboot. While mom had used the site earlier to bid on some toys, Pipi took a little different track.
Instead of a kid’s plaything, she bought a man’s toy, managing somehow to place a bid on a Kobelco, a “digger” as folks in New Zealand referred to the excavator. Though still no one is not quite sure how, the youngster had posted a bid of 20,000 New Zealand dollars, about $12,300 by our standards, for an earth mover that was anything but a toy.
Momma Quinlan learned of her daughter’s action when she opened her e-mail the following morning. There she found several e-mails from, the auction site TradeMe, announcing she had won an auction and from the seller noting that she would love her new purchase.
Fame and Notoriety
The story of course reminds us why we should never store personal information on a computer. It also makes it clear that when we become parents we need to think things through a wee bit more carefully because children are amazing little creatures.
In the age of the internet, technology can create issues we never conceived of previously. Most of the focus has been on the actions of the youngster.
And of course, the press had a field day with one liners (toddler usually prefers high-heeled pink shoes over giant yellow and black diggers).
But what is truly amazing is an internet search of the name Pipi Quinlan now reveals page after page of links to reports and commentary of this cute little story (OK, us too). It reminds us that in this day and age, privacy is minimal and our actions can be shared globally in the matter of minutes.
Whether she likes it or not, this information will always be part of her online brand. Fortunately, this could be one of those cute stories that ultimately works in her favor sometime in the future. We hope so as it will be archived forever.
All’s Well that Ends Well
Meanwhile, it seems the story has ended positively. The auction site has negated the winning bid and reimbursed the seller’s costs. Reportedly another adult went on to make the purchase for real.
The elder Ms Quinlan also noted one of parenting’s greatest challenges. You see, it was extremely difficult explaining to the three-year-old the gravity of her actions, especially doing so without laughing.
In addition, the parents have learned another valuable lesson. Pipi has since been banned from using the computer by herself but, just in case, the Quinlans have deleted all their automatic log-ons just in case.
The only question remaining is how long before you delete yours?
Hmmm, lovely story, and you hit the nail on the head as to what the truly amazing thing is. You see, it took me 4 days of consideration before agreeing that a friend of mine could publish this story in our small local community newspaper. And did so because I thought it would give the oldies a laugh – some of whom attend the local senior.net computer classes with Pipi’s nana, to learn how to get onto the internet. Within 24 hours, this had become global news and we were being woken up by reporters from around the world! This is the strength of the internet and syndicated news media. I suppose I could be regarded as somewhat naive. But the repercussions, I believe, would be unimaginable to most people. However, I’m not too naive to halt the carnage and I declined to tell our story on television and in magazines – even when financial rewards were dangled. Yes, unfortunately Pipi now has an internet presence. A kid that’s not even allowed to watch television and barely knows what it is. That should be the lesson for all parents. You have no privacy when you agree to put ANYTHING in the media.
From Momma Quinlan.
PS. Some details. The few games she was allowed to play on the computer were like Memory Matching Cards and colouring in by click/drag. Of course she was not allowed unrestricted or unsupervised access to the computer. That didn’t stop her getting up at 5.50am and sneaking out of bed to do it when it was still such a restricted novelty. Unfortunately, parents do a lot of their learning when their first-born does things for the first time.
PPS I have not given my correct email address as I do not trust anyone now and do not want any further intrusion. Add this letter to your story if you wish.
Ms. Quinlan,
Thanks so much for sharing the story – we have changed our original article based upon your feedback. And yes, there is so much to learn here for all of us, that was the reason for us doing our piece. Needless to say, I wish I had the opportunity to meet young Pipi in person.
TJ