I believe that I live in a disconnected world despite the claim that technology connects us.
Since the introduction of mobile phones, people have become increasingly attached to their mobile devices. 90% of American adults own a cell phone - 60% of those cell phones are smartphones. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that 84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their mobile device… I cannot be the only one who views this as an issue. It does not matter where I am - I see people invested into electronic devices and social media. Adults talking on the phone, teenagers tapping away on social media, toddlers on iPads. As a culture, we are submerged in a 2D world - where a screen replaces interaction with the world surrounding us. Insteading of living in the moment, we are distracted by the screens that lie in our hands. The constant use of electronics and social media has caused our attention to become brief and distracted - we jump from one platform to other checking on what our friends or “frenemies” are doing. Social media and our cellular devices have the potential to connect us, but we should avoid confusion ---- these outlets do not make us social. Instead of interacting with individuals standing next to us in line or sitting next to us on the bus, we focus on our cell phones - distracting ourselves by reading useless tweets and double-tapping instagram pictures. On the internet, we speak but are rarely listened to. We post for likes - seeking validation from the numbers. Social media has disconnected us from reality - we believe in artificial ideas and images because they infiltrate all of our media sources. Our culture is celebrity-obsessed. Not only do celebrities appear on television, magazines, news websites, but we follow them on social media. We watch documentaries about their lives, listen to them on talk-shows, follow their snapchat stories and instagram accounts, read about their diets and workout regimens. As a culture, we idolize individuals because they have beautiful bodies, wealth, and success. We gossip and talk about celebrities, or people we follow on social media as if we know them. The reality is that media only shows us a small percentage of what is real. We do not know the dreams, fears, ideas, thoughts of these individuals by what is posted about them online. On the same token, Bloggers, “instagram-celebrities”, and youtubers alike are paid to advertise products on their social media platforms. They are instructed what to say, how to pose, and even when to post. At what cost? Followers are tricked into believing in a “picture perfect” lifestyle - when in reality, pictures are contrived for the purpose of financial benefit or self-promotion.
I know many of those who are reading may not utilize media in the ways I have described. I am confident you know someone who does, or in the least have witnessed the effects of our technology-consumed world. Perhaps by reading this post, I will have encouraged you to consider your habits and the habits of those who surround you. By continuing down the spiral of this media-craze, we will only become more self-concerned and less connected with each other in the future.
My friends, change begins with a single action.
The solution is truly simple: detach from your electronic devices! Become comfortable with not using or having your cell phone. Avoid using your phone for distraction. Be mindful of what you spend your time doing and ask if such actions are productive. These devices are meant to be tools, but don’t prioritize their use over real life. We can connect with others online, but be mindful of which interacts are true. There are plenty of methods and ways to decrease your phone and social media usage. Dedicate the time you are spending away from media to something you truly enjoy! Whether that might be writing, hiking, playing a sport, reading, drawing, listening to music, hanging out with friends, or cooking a meal. ENJOY LIFE FOR WHAT IT IS!
October 2, 2015
Media is just a distraction
Used for a reaction.
Trivial matter disguised as breaking news
Celebrity gossip and company's biased views.
I'm sick of seeing the Kardashians.
How many of you
Can tell me about the Syrian refugees?
Yesterday I saw the headline:
"Celeb's dog dies"
What's the deal?
Why is the corruption concealed
By media lies?
Can we not address
What is actually real?
Why are celebrities shoved down my throat?
Paparazzi photos, useless interviews
Photoshoots and misquotes.
The truth is,
Corporations rule our entire nation -
Infiltrating and dominating media
Unbeknownst to the ignorant population.
I couldn't agree with this post more. The increase in technology is truly astounding, however, I don't believe it is all a positive thing. Today, we avoid endless conversations by simply glancing down at our phones. Do you ever wonder how many friendships we could have made by simply starting a conversation with those around us instead of hiding in the world of technology? Without a doubt there are benefits to technology, specifically advancement in the health fields. Cell phones and social media are great to keep us connected to those who we may be far way from, however, we remove ourselves from the presence. I firmly believe that teens today have an addiction to their devices. I think it's true that people would experience anxiety if they had to be separated from their device for even a few hours. This is definitely a problem that is only going to get worse.
ReplyDeleteAlso, that is an poem! You have talent.
"Technology" tends to be harshly criticized for promoting anti-social habits, but ultimately it isn't technology that is the problem, it's us. I think that we use technology as an excuse for why we make poor decisions, and by doing that we aren't helping the problem. The internet is a tool that can be used for productive or non-productive purposes, and it is our responsibility to chose for which purpose we use the internet. Platforms like Instagram can't be blamed for existing; it is up to us to decide what we do with technology.
ReplyDelete"Technology" tends to be harshly criticized for promoting anti-social habits, but ultimately it isn't technology that is the problem, it's us. I think that we use technology as an excuse for why we make poor decisions, and by doing that we aren't helping the problem. The internet is a tool that can be used for productive or non-productive purposes, and it is our responsibility to chose for which purpose we use the internet. Platforms like Instagram can't be blamed for existing; it is up to us to decide what we do with technology.
ReplyDeleteRachel, that poem is really good! Love that. And wow, are those words so true. Technology, when abused the way so many of us abuse it, is doing nothing to help our society or to change the things that so many people want changed. You are so right when you say that change begins with one single action. If we want to change the societal standards regarding celebrities and their looks and wealth and status, we have to stop feeding into it and buying the lies so easily fed to us on social media. Personally, I notice that the headlines posted everywhere are always negative. Why don't we see anything on social media about the good stuff going on? Like the woman whose fiancee cut off their wedding two days before, and instead of her reacting how most would, she fed the homeless with the reception meal? Where is the stuff like that? It is always the negative celebrity garbage that 99% of the time isn't even true, yet mostly everyone buys into it. We have to be the change if we want to see one. Good stuff!!
ReplyDelete