What are some of the generational influences and implications for embracing technology that is used for communication?
There is a great story told on NPR during a broadcast about changing technologies in our lives. The reporter gave a personal example of the generation difference in view points on technology. He took his grandson into his study and showed him his precision turntable. He showed him how to carefully put the record on, how to use a Disc Washer to clean the surface, and how the counter weight balanced the magnetic cartridge and stylus on the recorded surface. All of these designed to pick up the analog recording without wearing the surface. With his old but high quality stereo, the room filled with strong clear music. His grandson was patiently following all of the workings closely. After the demonstration was over, the grandfather asked the grandson what he thought about it. His grandson replied that he thought it was an amazing piece of equipment, but he had one question; how would you take it with you walking?
This illustrates the difference in viewpoint of the current young generation toward technology. They have grown up with CD and MP3 players, very portable. Their concept of what’s important, what’s expected, and what can be improved on is far different from those of us who were born in the 60’s and 70’s. This translates to how younger people have embraced many of the innovations that allow for portability, and ease of use. Most young people have never had to use a dial phone, or have been tethered by a phone cord. Most have wireless phones at home that store phone numbers. Cell phones have taken in into another level of freedom. Testing is often the preferred method of communicating quickly to friends.
Ironically, we do not yet see the video phone that was touted in movies like 2001 a Space Odyssey flourishing in the market. Many of the innovations that Science Fiction writes pointed to have not yet come to fruition ( i.e. Flying Cars, Video Phones, a Moon base, ect). Yet many technological advance were made that just were not clearly foreseen. Two major ones in communication have been the Cell Phones ( including Data ) and the internet.
Cell phones change both the market and the culture of communication. At first just a toy for the rich or for the traveling contactor, cell phones gradually came down in price. As they did, more and more of the general public had access to affordable cell phone use. I know that for myself, I had one for our family that we used whenever someone drove the car – set up for just emergencies. Within a few years, We had a two phone plan with more minutes. Eventually every member of the household had a phone, with texting capabilities.
Here is where my children embrace texting, where I thought to use it. They found it a quicker means of communicating, especially when truncating words. This is a practice I cannot get used to – nor do I desire to embrace it. Though I have now come to understand the benefits of texting – I choose to fully verbalize in words my texts. This clearly makes me look like an old fart to many of my children’s friends. I accept that, just as they have accepted truncated words and acronyms as a perfectly acceptable way of communicating.
Text has however brought on a dark side to it. As with any type of new technology, someone finds a way to abuse it, or misuse it. Texting while driving has become a major problem. Legislature in most states have banned or brought heavy consequences to those who practice this bad habit. It appears that this is predominate among the younger generation. The cell phone has become an appendage for many young people, so much so that without really thinking about it, they text while in a moving vehicle. Though some older adults are distracted by this, it appears to be a greater issue with younger users. The other negative aspect of texting is that of “Sexting”. Digital photos and sexual text exchanged via data phones. As with any technology, there are those who will misuse it.
The move to Digital phones have again been embraced by the younger generation who feel lost if they are not connecting via Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites. The feeling that one has to be connected 24/7 is definitely something that the latest generation has become used to. Again I site the example of my children (and other young family members) who often post mundane information on a regular basis. Again, because this has become second nature to post anything and everything, sometimes good judgment is set to the wayside. What many younger users of social networks fail to take into consideration is that colleges and explorers do look at their social network profiles.
When looking at the statistics in age, Social networking sites are used more frequently by younger users. This reflects both a greater comfort level with this type of communication, but also the feeling that it part of their everyday life. My generation ( the VERY tail end of the Baby Boomers) have embraced many changes in technology. However, the newest generation have only known the latest technologies. Instant messaging, ease of use, and constant connection is not just a desire – but an expectation. Now with SKYPE and other developing technologies, we may well soon have the next generation used to instant visual communication, both on their computers, tablets, and Digital phones.
Because of this constant connection, (and with GPS- constantly knowing exactly where everyone is) there has been a drop in privacy. Though younger people take this in stride and the norm, older generations see potential problems. Privacy is a very important element in our lives. In general, older – more experienced users of these technologies tend to be careful about the information that is shared. Younger people tend not to think about those issues as much, especially because of that element of instant and constant connections. Time will tell if everyone will simply accept the trade off in loss of privacy for the convenience of these technologies.
No comments:
Post a Comment