As mentioned in the reading, all tools used for communication bring about strengths and weaknesses. It is up to the user to decide what kind of effect the internet, in particular, will have upon their lifestyles. There are so many new possibilities presented to a user with any kind of new technology, not just the web alone. From the beginning of time, there has always been new inventions that brought about a kind of fear of the unknown among society. Fear of what could happen as a result of these technologies and curiosity about what’s to come. For instance, fear of the printing press, fear of even the watch; at some point in time, somebody feared the effect these tools would have upon society. It can be said that we've become almost a desensitized culture because of the internet and recent technology. Today’s generation knows nothing but the internet, while past generations question its purpose. With help of this book, internet users may become more aware of how it’s shaping not only their minds, but their relationships as well.
The digital age has also brought about a relationship revolution. The way we interact has been shaped forever by the internet. From the way we interpret messages to the way we deliver messages, the traditional form of communication has drastically changed from what it was before. Messages are instantaneous and short as opposed to longer form letters. However, we are still forced to read and write but through a different context. Through blogs, writers and readers are allowed to interact on a new level; giving everyone the power to publish and share their own ideas, also encouraging creativity. With that said, we can also become different people. We can put on a different internet persona completely separate from who we are in reality. We can even form relationships we people we haven't even met. With that said, the internet is a tool that is directly effected by the circumstance it is used within.
The digital age has also brought about a relationship revolution. The way we interact has been shaped forever by the internet. From the way we interpret messages to the way we deliver messages, the traditional form of communication has drastically changed from what it was before. Messages are instantaneous and short as opposed to longer form letters. However, we are still forced to read and write but through a different context. Through blogs, writers and readers are allowed to interact on a new level; giving everyone the power to publish and share their own ideas, also encouraging creativity. With that said, we can also become different people. We can put on a different internet persona completely separate from who we are in reality. We can even form relationships we people we haven't even met. With that said, the internet is a tool that is directly effected by the circumstance it is used within.
Creativity also has no capacity when it comes to the digital era. Yet another outlet in which the internet gives us the power to do what we will with the tools that it allows. The fear of the internet becoming a daily routine causing us to lose basic socialization is prevalent in society. However, Digital Literacies works to be that mediator to provide for readers a better understanding of how the digital era is affecting our minds and communication. It’s up to ourselves to decide what we will do with the information and how we will better our own digital experience.
I think I agree with the point that you're trying to make here, though it's kind of hard to tell what it is since it's not all that clearly stated.
ReplyDeleteBut you keep coming back to the point that it is up to the user to determine what kind of experience he or she will have with digital media, specifically the internet. That is the point I agree with the most. YOUR internet experience will always be fundamentally different from MY internet experience, because we are different people and our perspectives on life will always be, at least at the most basic level, different. And like most things, the internet is a tool. It, in and of itself, is not inherently good or evil, it is all about how it is used.
I really enjoyed your intro paragraph and what you said about "checking the internet" becoming part of our daily ritual. For me this is completely true. As soon as I wake up in the morning my phone is the first thing I grab; I check to see if I missed any text messages while I was sleeping, or scroll through my Facebook newsfeed or check my e-mails. This is how people communicate with each other nowadays, especially people of our generation. Professors aren't going to call each and every one of us to tell us of a changed assignment, and peers may post a general status asking if anyone has heard about something or simply send out a text. As far as communication goes, like you mentioned already, it's a lot quicker and less personable. But at the same time, it makes sending letters to people for special occasions or "just because" that much more meaningful. There are many pros and cons to the internet and all of these different literacies, and like Tiffany said in her comment, "it is all about how it is used."
ReplyDeleteAfter I do my homework, I stare at the "blue E" at the bottom of my screen and wounder what else I can do with it. Then I deside to find something else to do.
ReplyDeleteI think we share a very similiar opinion on this topic. I can understand how some people may be afraid of how the internet and the digitial era are effecting our communication, but I say it's all about how you use it. I do think that our increased use of digitial communication may be hindering our interpersonal communication, but it's all relative to who is using it. I may use digital communication everyday, more than once a day, but I am also able to communicate my feelings and ideas through a face-to-face conversation. As a new technology arises, we must remember not to abandon our traditional methods because only when we use both, can we truely communicate effectively in todays world.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the point(s) you make in this post. The starting paragraph really shows a great insight on habits and routines that showcase "what our lives become because of our choices."
ReplyDeleteI also love that you mention how technology brings forth both strengths and weaknesses and how it's up to the user to decide how big on an affect it'll have on their everyday life. My favorite part of your post was when you stated, "From the beginning of time, there has always been new inventions that brought about a kind of fear of the unknown among society. Fear of what could happen as a result of these technologies and curiosity about what’s to come." This is a really helpful point to make towards your "argument," that we do, in fact, fear the unknown. Without furthering our discoveries, we have no idea what impact it could ultimately have.
In regards to Tiffany's response, I think that you don't necessarily to make a clear-cut point here. It seems to me that you view new technology and the digital world to be an abstract entity that doesn't necessarily have to be "good" or "bad." That's my favorite part about your post- that you've discussed the realm of possibility within technology... you mentioned the limitless possibilities without determining whether the overall effect could have a necessary negative or positive outcome.