These days it seems like we are always connected to some sort of technology whether it be conciously or unconciously. While doing other tasks we are staying connected by using our lap tops, ipod, television set, radio, cell phones, and all other sorts of media.
As we watch our HD flat screen televisions, we are surfing facebook and texting our friends on our cell phones. I have found that multi-task like this is pretty easy. I have become so adjusted to the technology that surrounds me I can use it all at once without it even being difficult for me.
The comic on this blog made me laugh because it seemed so true. We go places that are out in the middle of know where and we can use GPS systems to guide us, and play games such as geocaching. Also you can even sometimes get wireless signal from our laptops or service on our mobile phones. I go running in the mountains often and I sometimes take my phone just in case there is an emergency. It is my comfort, and I also find it amazing that I can go one place that it seems I may be free from technology, it still follows me there. I read an article in Health magazine about a girl and father who used to run together every Saturday and just talk about what was going on in their lives. Then the daughter moved 2,000 miles away, but they still managed to run "together." They each wore a cellular head device and took off for their run in two completely different cities, and just talked on the head piece the entire time. It has become their Saturday morning ritual. Even though they cannot be together physically they still have the connection between themselves because of technology. I think it is cool that technology can help us bring us closer to our friends and family. Who would have thought you would talk on your cell phone during your entire run?
The connection to technology brings up the term ubiqutious computing. In our class we read an article called, "Ubiquitous Computing," by Jason Weiss. In the article he defines it as, "Ubiquitous computing's highest ideal is to make a computer so imbedded, so fitting, so natural, that we use it without even thinking about it." This goes beyond the connection between technology and society as I have already talked about. This would be even taking it further. Ubiquitous computing creates such a connection where you do not have to get past learning how to use the technology, but instead it just does it. To me it sounds like we are going to become robotic. In class we talked about how when we went grocery shopping we can use our cell phones to scan the items we want, our refridgerators would tell us receipes to make out of the food we put in the fridge. We even talked about things about yourself that would appear on the internet could appear on your shirt. It just sounds so far fetched, but I do believe it could happen soon. The way technology is going, I just have no idea what will be presented in my future.
I know that all the connections with technology strengthens relationships, but to me that seems obvious. But at the same time I wonder if it divides them as well. I wonder if the constant focus on technology some how divides us from those in our lives that are not so involved with technology.
I think we are so dependent on our technology, but I don't know if that is a bad thing because it seems like it will always be here. If it is not going to go away, why does it matter if we are so dependent on it? I found an article about this on Tech News World Website called, "Kids and Tech: How much is too much?" by Jennifer LeClaire. It talked about how the amount of technology and our dependency on it has effected childrens psychological development.
From Baby Einstein tapes for infants to Reader Rabbit software to Nintendo given at early ages. Technological advancements designed to stimulate the intellect and entertain children have become overwhelming to many 21st century kids. A benefit is that technology access has been linked to improved reading skills. But the article also talks about how some people believe that too much technology can impose dangers on today's youth. Some of the dangers include vision impairment, technology addiction and sexual solicitation. In the past we only had to worry about to much television exposure. Now we also have to worry about too much cell phone, computer, and video games.
From Baby Einstein tapes for infants to Reader Rabbit software to Nintendo given at early ages. Technological advancements designed to stimulate the intellect and entertain children have become overwhelming to many 21st century kids. A benefit is that technology access has been linked to improved reading skills. But the article also talks about how some people believe that too much technology can impose dangers on today's youth. Some of the dangers include vision impairment, technology addiction and sexual solicitation. In the past we only had to worry about to much television exposure. Now we also have to worry about too much cell phone, computer, and video games.
So my question to ask is, how much technology is too much? Or is there such a thing is too much? I don't know the answer because technology brings so much good to society but it also brings negative aspects as well. I wonder if most people even realize how involved they are with technology or I wonder if they even realize how much it has changed for their lives, for good or bad. To me these questions depend on every individuals opinion, but I do believe we should be more aware of the good and the bad that it does bring.
I did a group research paper on the effects media has on teenagers. The thing that caught my eye, was how fast things are changing. The average scene change on a TV program happens every 3.5 minutes at the most. The internet is even worse. I wonder why the average attention span is extremely short?
ReplyDeleteToo much technology is when you have withdrawals when you take it away. As a society, and individuals, we need to be able to function without all of the neat toys we have acquired.
We are very close to having a complete ubiqutious computing lifestyle it's a little scary to me. I am a multi-tasker who texts, e-mails and im's at the same time without even giving it much thought. I acutally don't like the idea that I depend so much on technology because let's face it for some people if the power were to go out and their phone battery died, they would go crazy.
ReplyDeletePrivacy is a main factor in determining how much technology is too much. As you mentioned, people are surrounding themselves with technology, letting it fully engulf their whole life and overtake some of their freedom. Posting pictures of yourself, GPS, public security cameras, are all a small part of the larger actions that are taking place which impeed upon an individual's freedom. Ubiquitous computing is another factor of technology bringing comfort and easability, but entails giving up personal information. Yeah, the computer knowing your preferences and letting you know what you need or might want while at the store, or telling you where you might want to go in your car is intriuging but honestly, do you want someone or something knowing where you like to go, and where you are, at ALL times?
ReplyDeleteTechnology is connecting communities, yet it is incroching on individual privacy. Society needs to step back, look at where we are at in relation to technology and rethink of how to deal with this situation.