Now I Know!

In response to:

Economist: Did you know?

__________________________________________

After watching this video I thought about my day.
This morning, I woke up and immediately hopped on to my computer. As per my usual routine, I signed myself in to MSN messenger, logged on to Skype and checked my Facebook. By the time lunch came around, I decided to send out multiple text messages to see who was available to grab a bite.
After I returned, I began using word processing programs to complete assignments and watched a few videos that are featured on my MSN messenger.

In the course of one day, I realize that the majority (if not the entirety) of my social and academic life is conducted through electronic mediums. In my life and in today’s society, it is essential to be connected through these mediums in order to stay connected to friends, family and the rest of the world.

Famous communications theorist, Marshal McLuhan argued that media has such a power and influence over people’s lives, that we should consider it the same way we consider natural resources – a necessity of life.

Within the mediums I used over the course of my day, I was able to satisfy specific social needs. I was able to connect with friends and family from home, by speaking with them through text and via webcam chat. I was able to connect to friends here at University, by texting them to meet for lunch. This technology helps me build good connections with new friends.

My Facebook allows me to feel connected to society, by seeing how others are spending their time, and they also can see how I am spending mine. Facebook also allows me to connect with people on a more personal level with wall posts.

It is also worth considering how these mediums perform dual functions. My MSN messenger acts as a communicating tool, however it also keeps me informed with updated video footage of news, gossip, etc.

This dominance of electronic media in my life makes me question how people stayed connected before the time of online chatting, video calling and text messaging. As a child of the technology age, media is a staple to my social existence.