Use and Abuse

Analyzing the media I use every day has been extremely interesting, and yet unnerving. Looking in depth at how people use technologies like the cell phone, Myspace, and Second Life has created an almost cynical view on my part regarding these social practices. It is not that these things are inherently bad, but it is more, the misuse of these practices that causes me to feel this way. When individuals ‘chat’ on the cell phone and never say anything of importance, spy on others via Myspace, and waste away the hours on Second Life without forming new relationships with the people around them is when I begin to worry and wonder about the state the world is in. I feel as if these technologies are taking away from what is really important within life – human (meaning face-to-face) interaction. I believe that without this interaction, an important part of a person will be missing. This part, whether it is labeled social skills or physical communication, should be developed within every person, for we are all on this earth together. Without interacting physically with one another, the physical world around us would deteriorate right before our eyes. Staying together emotionally and spiritually through physical interaction is an essential part in every person’s personality and mental development. I do not see how these interactions could be replaced with virtual ones, and still have our everyday lives be meaningful and fulfilling. Although relationships can be formed online and through the use of the cell phone, and although some of our research from the semester may indicate otherwise, I do not personally believe these relationships can ever serve as a substitute for face-to-face interactions.

It is interesting to note, however, that although I have a certain outlook on these forms of media, I will continue to use them myself in everyday life. However, I think it is important that I learn to not abuse these technological privileges that I possess. Using the cell phone, Myspace, and Second Life to enhance the relationships I already have formed within my real life is possible. It is important, however, that I not become reliant on these technologies to form and maintain relationships. It is the dependence on these media that ultimately hurts interpersonal relationships among people. Hopefully, as a result from this class and my ability to critically see how these media are used and how they affect our lives, I will be able to achieve a balance between their use and my own personal relationships. Perhaps it is my small town values coming into play, but this whole dependence on media to create and keep relationships has me skeptical. This article, although in different terms, explains everything I am attempting to convey through this blog post. Media is both valuable and harmful to society. It’s all in how you use it.