What are my opinions on mass communication, my habits, and consumption?
First let us take a moment to reflect on
the idea we are using social media to communicate our thoughts about social
media: how very meta.
Mass communications
have certainly changed in the last 5 to
10 years, much more than anyone could have ever imagined. In 1995 many people did not have a personal
Email and pagers were still considered all the rage. In the year 2000 pagers
faded into the distance and personal cellphones ran to the head of the line.
Then came IM, blogging, MySpace, Facebook, Texts, Twitter, Skype, Instagram and
Snapchat all to revolutionize the manner in which we communicate with our
fellow man. Many would complain these
steps forward have pulled us back from the ability to speak with anyone face to
face. The art of small talk lost to the past and never mind walking with your
head up, focused on the road ahead. I’m
sure the same things were said about the telephone when Mr. Bell brought forth
that magical device; it most assuredly meant our civilization was going to
crumble underneath our very feet. As
with any change we long to cling to the way things were because looking
backwards is always tinged with the color of nostalgia, but this new way of
communicating could be beneficial if used correctly.
Now you may think that I am a fan of all sorts of new technology
and to a certain degree I am, but I am also a fickle sort that views some
things as peculiar and unnecessary. Let’s
start with the most common of items, the cellphone. What possibly could be more convenient than
being reachable all day and all night by anyone? It’s a small electronic dog collar that comes
with the expectation: unless you’re dead you should be answering the phone. Before cellphones you were permitted some
solitude, some me time. Not so anymore, instant gratification is in high demand
in our society and the cellphone is the leading culprit. Add to this the bonus of texting and even if
you are in meetings, church, or the bathroom you are expected to answer. Then
again I have heard people talk on the phone while using a public restroom; truly
where has our social etiquette gone? I
have a cellphone and it stays with me, most of the time, and by with me I mean
it’s either in my car or locked in my desk. I was forced to have a phone by my
husband as he worried about my long commute so I acquiesced and took the
device. I can see where it’s convenient
since payphones are no longer prevalent, but as it’s not a smartphone and has
no internet services I’m viewed as a relic. Frankly I’m able to observe more
life with my head up and looking around instead of down at my phone.
Now it’s time for my confession, I am addicted to
Facebook. I use this as my amusement since many of my friends are wickedly
funny and I also use it as my own private stage. Every day I scan the headlines to find
something to post a humorous take on and I sit back to wait for the
comments. Some exchanges between friends
can go on for 30 comments and inevitably the wit exchanged back and forth
always causes me to laugh. I also like
to see what others are up to, keep track of their kids’ achievements, support
friends and family when bad things happen and congratulate them when good
things happen as well. I like to think of it as the electronic water cooler or
the backyard fence where neighbors would meet and talk about things like their
lawn or the latest football game. The
format may be different, but the intent remains the same.
As I progress through this new form of classroom I hope to
become more exposed to the emerging communications standards and maybe, just
maybe, I might become friends with my cellphone.
