OH, FACEBOOK! How it does tell so much. And text messages too! I will admit that when initiating a relationship, I would rather send text messages or communicate via Facebook until I feel I am comfortable but now, I am beginning to realize that these two communication tools are almost a part of the determining factor. What I mean by this is, when I begin talking casually to someone (usually someone of the opposite sex who I may be interested in) and there Facebook profile is not as appealing as I would like it to be, already, their “points” are deducted! Same goes with text messages with only a slight difference, there may be way too many typos and the message is barely understandable because every single word, simple and all, is abbreviated; so right then and there, my red flag goes up! Sadly, before I have held a phone or face-to-face conversation with this person, I have already judged them.
Using these means of communication as a medium to learn of another’s intelligence and interests could be beneficial but in my case, I will admit it is unfair. For some reason when we use new technology for communication, all of our grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. goes out of the window and I know this! And as hypocritical as it may seem, I do judge based on what I see but hey; I just want to be sure that I am not investing time in a complete and total idiot! I feel that if finding out all that I can with social networking sites and text messages, if it saves a bit more time, I will use them.
I guess what I am trying to explain, indirectly, with this blog is how lazy we are becoming due to all of the technology we have on hand now. My first example was using Facebook and text messages to assume that these two accurately portray how people really are, intellectually. All we need to do is invest time in knowing a person, personally and all of those assumptions can be proven or disproven. The second example, abbreviations and text speak; it is all becoming a rush-job. Both of my examples lead back to time. We are beginning to worry too much about beating the clock and are becoming lazy and taking the short way out, even with relationships. So it just leaves me to wonder, what is happening with time?
Showing posts with label Corso. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corso. Show all posts
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Reaction to Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In a time period where electronic communication was not as prevalent as it is now, an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer still painted a picture of what can possibly become of our obsession and dependency on computer mediated communication and technology. During the hour-long show, I saw intrusion, obsession, dependency, manipulation, and most disturbingly, the desire to want to belong.
I put the emphasis on the desire to belong because naturally, I’d like to say that no one would want to feel as if they were an outcast. To be an outcast in just an everyday sense can take a toll on its own, but now as communication and technology revolutionizes, we all want to be a part of, and also take part in. Being left behind as technology progresses is probably the scariest thought, thus, I feel that technology, in a subconscious way, is mandated in our lives. Just as stated in the show, “if not in… you’re not alive.”
As the show went on, I saw how one character (computer genius) was so sucked into the computer that he almost sounded robotic when he socialized. I noticed how often the computer was used as a medium to tap into another individual’s personal information. I also watched Willow become more and more reliant on who was behind the computer screen to make her feel a certain way, and once again, belong.
Towards the end of the show, the only thing I could imagine was how much more dangerous it is now as CMC has become more a part of our lifestyle. I do know the positives of technology but there are still way too many negatives to match. We as people are not as resourceful as we once were due to computers helping us with most of the basic things we should already know how to do. We are not as personal because we chose to interact hidden behind a screen (cell phone or computer). And lastly, we have become lazy and useless. It may seem harsh but for example, if I can find a summary online, why read a book? If I can text message a question to avoid a long and drawn out conversation, I’d rather not use my minutes. And even if I can dodge a library visit by just Google-ing something than I’d rather do that.
Our usage of CMC and technology is becoming a bit ridiculous but just as the producers of Buffy saw this coming ten years ago and it has become worse, what can we do now as it may be too late?
I put the emphasis on the desire to belong because naturally, I’d like to say that no one would want to feel as if they were an outcast. To be an outcast in just an everyday sense can take a toll on its own, but now as communication and technology revolutionizes, we all want to be a part of, and also take part in. Being left behind as technology progresses is probably the scariest thought, thus, I feel that technology, in a subconscious way, is mandated in our lives. Just as stated in the show, “if not in… you’re not alive.”
As the show went on, I saw how one character (computer genius) was so sucked into the computer that he almost sounded robotic when he socialized. I noticed how often the computer was used as a medium to tap into another individual’s personal information. I also watched Willow become more and more reliant on who was behind the computer screen to make her feel a certain way, and once again, belong.
Towards the end of the show, the only thing I could imagine was how much more dangerous it is now as CMC has become more a part of our lifestyle. I do know the positives of technology but there are still way too many negatives to match. We as people are not as resourceful as we once were due to computers helping us with most of the basic things we should already know how to do. We are not as personal because we chose to interact hidden behind a screen (cell phone or computer). And lastly, we have become lazy and useless. It may seem harsh but for example, if I can find a summary online, why read a book? If I can text message a question to avoid a long and drawn out conversation, I’d rather not use my minutes. And even if I can dodge a library visit by just Google-ing something than I’d rather do that.
Our usage of CMC and technology is becoming a bit ridiculous but just as the producers of Buffy saw this coming ten years ago and it has become worse, what can we do now as it may be too late?
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