Some times this is how I feel...hahahah. Its crazy to see all the uses for our phones!
I recently tried the Maryland Media Study and lets just say it was harder than I expected. Its true that most college students are not just unwilling, but functionally unable to be without their media links to the world. Its quite difficult when you use networking media for just about anything in your life. I personally do not think I am dependent on my electronics but they definately are necessary in todays world. It seems like nowadays we are all interconnected through are phones or online social networks so it seems essential that you must be connected at all times.
In participating in this study, I did this on a day where I had no class. As the day when on and there was nothiong to do, I was tempted to use networking media as a way to relieve my boredom by looking at Facebook or Instagram or going online. I figure that what most people do when there bored anyways.
It was also difficult not being able to use my computer. Daily, I do many things online. I look up news and currenrt event issues, download music or just surf the web looking at things that interest me. Although networking media has its advantages and keeps you interconnected with your circle, I felt free because I did not have any obligations to text people back or snapchat people or what have you. Even though it was a nice feeling, it is very comforting having a phone at your side where people can reach you for whatever reason just in case. Nowadays, if you dont reply to a text or phone call its seen as rude because your "ignoring" those people. A few of my friends though I was ignoring them because I did not text them right back. In todays society, getting in contact with people is so immediate. This is the new way of communication and people expect an immediate response because they expect you to have some type smart phone or networking media available at all times.
At the end of the day, when I finally stopped doing the study I looked at my phone to see 5 missed phone calls and 8 text messages. Some from were family while most of them were my friends. My parents even asked why I was not answering my phone. Its a pretty good feeling to know that people wnat to talk to you hahah. I believe that smart phones and networking media are nesessities, but they should not take over your life or interfere with face to face communication.
In closing, lets try to use our phones a little less so we can actually be present!
-CM
It's funny that some people get offended when you don't respond. Today, people are so used to fast technology that even internet that is semi-slow will annoy people. Back when I first had internet, it would take like 5 minutes just to connect. It's funny how time's have changed.
ReplyDeleteI kind of want to try doing this, but like you said, college students are functionally unable to be without their media links. After my phone was stolen, I didn't have a phone (so I guess that was my 2 week long Maryland Media Study), and I felt lost. I couldn't communicate with my roommate about where she was so we could coordinate schedules to go grocery shopping, and I couldn't ask where I was supposed to be meeting with my group for a project. Then over Thanksgiving break, I went to pick my sister up at her dorm, but I didn't know I couldn't get in without a student ID. I couldn't call her to come let me in, so when I finally snuck my way in, I had no idea which tower or what floor her room was on, so I had to ask random people if they knew her (which none of them did), and then the front desk, but they wouldn't look it up for me, so I asked to borrow their phone to call her (luckily, I knew her number by heart). The desk attendant looked at me like an alien because I didn't have my own phone, which just goes to show how normal it is to be reliant on technology these days just to function properly.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, that meme is hilarious.....
ReplyDeleteI agree with you (and Winton) about the ridiculousness about people being offended if you "ignore" them, aka don't respond. That said, if the situation is reversed I could see myself being a little offended too....or at least worried. If it is someone who I am in constant contact with or normally responds to me very quickly, I think I would be worried about them if they did not respond for a whole 24-hours. I also picked the day that I did this at a very particular time. I did have a couple classes, but I didn't have work and I made sure that I alerted my friends/boyfriend/mom before I actually went off the grid.