This week in class we watched a video from the National Poetry Slam Contest. Marshall David Jones's poem, Touchscreen, was about technology and where it has brought us today. When people think of technology, one word comes to mind: progress. But the message from the poet is quite different. He states that technology has brought us backwards as much as it has brought us forward.
One line of Jones's poem that still resounds after the recitation is done is when he states that he is comforting a crying child over Skype. Yes, the ability to talk virtually has been a lifesaver to many families, but it has also fostered negative behaviors. Children who have one parent overseas can use these modern tools to rectify their situations. But, for people who are not in these situations, these "tools" can become their vices. Previously, people would set up reunions in a coffee shop or at a restaurant. These intimate gatherings would allow people to create new bonds with each other and their surroundings. And these relations are what defined people as an "interdependent" race.
With the advent of technology people are taking less time from their lives to interact with others. Everything can be done virtually, so why take the effort to do it personally? The answer is clear; by doing this the human race is losing a skill that defines them. Our ability to communicate is a primary reason we are considered higher-order thinking creatures. By texting, tweeting, or emailing our words they become fake. These words have been thought about, and are said to elicit a certain response. Sometimes, these words may not even be ours!
On my last birthday most of my family called to wish me, but one of my relatives- who usually remembers- forgot this year. Well, not entirely. My uncle had sent me a highly personal e-card! It was custom with a generic message and a cheesy song. Sarcasm aside, the card certainly did not make me feel the same way a personal phone call would have.
And so before you rush to purchase the new iPhone 200, take a moment to talk to someone. Take a moment to relish life and the relationships you have. Take a moment to develop new relations, and you will see the beauty of being able to "touch"- a person, not a screen.
One line of Jones's poem that still resounds after the recitation is done is when he states that he is comforting a crying child over Skype. Yes, the ability to talk virtually has been a lifesaver to many families, but it has also fostered negative behaviors. Children who have one parent overseas can use these modern tools to rectify their situations. But, for people who are not in these situations, these "tools" can become their vices. Previously, people would set up reunions in a coffee shop or at a restaurant. These intimate gatherings would allow people to create new bonds with each other and their surroundings. And these relations are what defined people as an "interdependent" race.With the advent of technology people are taking less time from their lives to interact with others. Everything can be done virtually, so why take the effort to do it personally? The answer is clear; by doing this the human race is losing a skill that defines them. Our ability to communicate is a primary reason we are considered higher-order thinking creatures. By texting, tweeting, or emailing our words they become fake. These words have been thought about, and are said to elicit a certain response. Sometimes, these words may not even be ours!
On my last birthday most of my family called to wish me, but one of my relatives- who usually remembers- forgot this year. Well, not entirely. My uncle had sent me a highly personal e-card! It was custom with a generic message and a cheesy song. Sarcasm aside, the card certainly did not make me feel the same way a personal phone call would have.And so before you rush to purchase the new iPhone 200, take a moment to talk to someone. Take a moment to relish life and the relationships you have. Take a moment to develop new relations, and you will see the beauty of being able to "touch"- a person, not a screen.
Great post! I totally agree with your viewpoint and I can completely relate to your story about your uncle. I feel like our society has become so consumed by technology and it's distracting us from gaining critical communication skills from face-to-face contact. It definitely feels a lot better to talk to someone in person vs. texting them.
ReplyDeleteWell, after reading this blog, I find it pretty ironic that I have to comment online in order to convey this message instead of face-to-face communication like you stated above. I think I can relate to your examples in a way and am myself guilty of what is stated above. Either way, I think your message is true and people should stop using the Internet to facilitate their communication, but this type of communication might be necessary in certain conditions for some specific reason. Good job. Again, this is very ironic...in multiple ways.
ReplyDeleteI love how you brought your own story into your post, it was really effective in getting your point across and I found myself nodding along and agreeing with the points you made in this post!
ReplyDeleteThis was very well done! I feel like the last picture with the robot wraps it up very nicely because that's something we're all guilty of doing.
ReplyDelete