Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog.

In this humorous quote, Doug Larson, a newspaper columnist, reflects on the evolving role of home computers in everyday life. He points out that computers are increasingly tasked with performing a wide range of functions, from work-related tasks to personal entertainment. By humorously suggesting that home computers are now even responsible for the consumption of homework, a playful nod to the old excuse of “the dog ate my homework,” Larson highlights the growing dependence on technology in modern life.

The quote is a commentary on the rapid integration of technology into daily routines, especially in the context of household tasks and education. Home computers, once primarily used for basic computing, have now expanded to become essential tools for various purposes, such as school assignments, research, and communication. Larson's mention of homework—an iconic symbol of schoolwork—symbolizes how even traditional, mundane tasks are now intertwined with the digital world.

The origin of this quote is tied to Larson’s observations of how computers were increasingly becoming commonplace in homes during the 1980s and 1990s, when personal computers started gaining widespread use. At the time, many people were still adjusting to the expanding capabilities of these machines, and the quote reflects the sense of both awe and humor at the idea of computers taking over so many roles.

Ultimately, Larson’s quote underscores the rapid advancements in technology and the way it has permeated every aspect of our lives, including tasks that were once entirely physical. The mention of the dog-eating-homework excuse serves as a lighthearted way to acknowledge how much we now rely on computers for even the most traditional aspects of life.