Here is the video that our group made about how technology/digital media is hindering people's communication and personal relationships. This short video just presents our individual ideas, me, Laycee, and Tailor.
- Laycee's views: Then on a more personal scale, when individuals are so absorbed with their digital devices, they lose the face-to-face communication skills that are needed in every-day interaction with actual people (not on a screen). I have always thought that people should surgically remove their cell phone/digital devices.
Here are our ideas explained further:
Communication in
the 20th century is unlike any other time in history. The
invention of the printer, telegraph, and phone has now led us into an
age of digital wonder. But is this technology hindering society even
as it improves are quality of living?
Although there are many great things about the digital age, the
digital age is disintegrating relationships. Phones and technology
are effecting us in ways that can’t be seen. Over all it is clear
that technology is creating a barrier between us and those around us.
This phenomena can be seen everywhere today. New social standards are
being created. What do you do when you are waiting for the bus,
standing in line at the grocery story or even siting at the dinner
table. A few years ago you would see kids talking and interacting
while waiting for the school bus but today things are different.
Today, kids are plugged in, interacting with only those who are not
in their physical presence. It is a terrible time when you can say
that you spend more time with your best friend Siri then with your
family.
The psychological
effects of this plugged in effect are discussed by Taylor. A slightly
different idea of this social effect taken by Laycee as she
researches the negative impact of video gaming, and the “cell phone
chasm” on social relationships. Amanda looks at the big picture and
long term effects as she talks about the eventually disintegration of
society. This disintegration is due to the fact that social
relationships make up society, but if these relationships are
disintegrating then society too is bound to fall.
Over all these concepts work together to show the cause (Laycee), effects (Tailor) and future consequences (Amanda) of the digital age as it relates to relationships.
This is very negative-centric, but makes strong arguments. A strong concrete example is the multiple studies showing how parents being so involved in their devices hurt their children. My wife has had to help children on the playground whos parents were so involved in their phones that they didn't even hear their kids get hurt or calling for help. Something like this: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/moms-viral-experiment-urges-parents-to-rethink-screen-time_us_563b7247e4b0307f2cac4020 . In any case, your strong arguments need strong support, and acknowledging counter-claims to what you're saying can strengthen your arguments, because that will show that you've researched multiple aspects of your topic.
ReplyDeleteI'm seeing a cause/effect trend in all of your claims, which you could continue exploring. The negative/positive effects of technology aren't exactly breaking news. Extrapolating, however, on the future consequences of this behavior would be interesting and consequently quite arguable.
ReplyDeleteAs an interesting counter-argument that may prove helpful, here is a TED radio hour on trust, and a talk from that show that specifically affirms that the internet is strengthening our interpersonal relationships in unprecedented ways. This may provide some counter-point that you'll use, or some arguments you'll want to per-emptively attack, but either way, here are those links:
ReplyDeleteThe show: http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/406238794/trust-and-consequences?showDate=2015-05-15
The most pertinent talk: http://www.npr.org/2015/05/15/406450298/how-can-trusting-strangers-fuel-an-economy
I hope they're useful.