"In each instance, technology enhances our ability to manipulate our communication with others. As the arsenal of control devices continues to grow, we increasingly come to see language not as an opportunity for interpersonal dialogue but as a system we can maneuver for individual gain."
Reflection: This statement is so unbelievably true as soon as I read it I automatically thought about how many times I've gone off line to avoid talking to someone on instant messenger or Skype or how I've ignored phone calls and texts simply claiming " I never got your message" or " Well my phone never rang". Today we have so many ways we can control who we talk to, how we talk to them, and when we talk to them. Although these technologies all provide us with easier ways to communicate it also provides us with an easier way to avoid communication. This is part of the idea that technology could be detrimental to our society with all of these ways to avoid communication we need to find ways to reinforce communication as well since it is so important to even the proper functioning of our society.
This is definitely one of the better quotes from the article. It is always nice to be able to get a hold of someone quick and easily when you need to but on the other hand it can be really annoying if you are looking for some alone. If you want alone time then, like you said, you are then forced to craft some excuses for why you did not answer. I enjoyed your reflection very much and keep up the good work :D.
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point. It is a way to be passive and avoid confrontations. Although, it isn't much different ducking into a restroom or picking up a book to look busy to avoid speaking to someone. I admit, I look at the caller ID on the home phone everytime before picking up the phone, particularly if it looks to be a solicitation call. I wonder if because people seem to be busier in this day and age that we are more jealous about our personal time? I may be going off on a tangent here, but perhaps there is a need to give students quiet time to just think, or daydream. What if a requirement was that students had to text a parent or grandparent once a day to share what the most exciting thing was that they learned?
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point. Today people only want to confront someone on their own terms. This isn't the way to handle the situation. Sometimes certain situations need to be confronted no matter what. Today's technologies allow people to avoid those responsibilities, which should have consequences. I do agree that newer technologies are very helpful, but there should also have limitations. In the same sense when people do use technologies there is a greater deal of responsibility that accompanies those technologies, which people must abide by.
ReplyDeleteI also think that you have made a good point. Not only is it easier to avoid communication altogether, but even within a conversation it's much easier to be open and honest about your feelings online or over the phone than it is in person for a lot of people. I think that modern technology has drastically changed the way we communicate.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent point. I know many people who use that as an excuse and you never know if it is valid or not. This really is becoming a problem and needs to be changed.
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