Deen C Callica
Reading
Response to Are you ‘over-connected’?
The
article, “Are you ‘over-connected’?” by Tom
Chatfield, is a piece that begs the question, is technology proving bad for our
future? The amazing piece goes in depth about the rise of technology and the
effects it has on our human nature. From obsession to involuntary actions, the
paper really makes you wonder about the place of technology in our future. The
writer more so focuses on phones rather than technology on a whole, as people
seem more fixated on their phones. In response, I find myself agreeing with
this article, in that technology is causing a major social change, but I do
indeed disagree with some minor point as it pertains to reason.
First is the issue of
people becoming so deeply attached to something that didn’t exist a few decades
ago. Humans are limited creatures, so the use and advancement of technology is
as most will agree, necessary in order to evolve and improve our standard of
living. With opportunities like this, we simply become use to the easier way of
things and less concerned with the old. No longer do we have to wait to hear
secondhand news, from someone who knows someone who was there, or have to
travel miles to speak with family and friends or even purchase a new book to
research and learn information. The ability to do all those things is now
within a small portable device that makes our life easier. So I dare to say,
were not simply becoming attached but we’re following human nature and seeking
evolution.
Secondly, is it possible
to become “overconnected”? Humans are creatures of habit, so it is no surprise
that when we get use to certain things, we tend to do it even during times
where it may be inappropriate. For example, the writer mentioned a story about
a 31 year old man, who was treated for “internet addiction disorder”. Doctors
noted that the subject compulsively mimicked movements, which were as if he was
using his Google Glass when he was not. This man has proven that it is possible
to become “overconnected” but we have to take into account that this man had a
history of mood disorder and alcohol misuse; however, this all comes down to an
individual’s perception of what “overconnected” means.
“Our every decision is
now a science fed by billions of bits of data” Chatfield. T (2015). In today’s
world it is very hard to not rely on these technologies. Companies make it
their business to personalize their system to suite the users on a personal
level. Spend enough time on a computer and it will seem like the device knows
the things you prefer from the things you dislike. Take Google for example,
Google guesses what your most likely trying to do based on all the information
you provide and the things you usually search for, which gives a sense of
connection with your device. This is how companies get and keep their customers,
so with the use of technology becoming more and more user-friendly; it becomes
hard for us to say no.
In conclusion, the
writer’s point of view was splendid, with the exception of slight differences
in opinion. As the writer himself doesn’t chose one side completely, I find
myself in the same conundrum; however, my conundrum lies with the fact that
what it means for someone to be “overconnected” is very opinionated and based
on personal perception. What one person might perceive as a bad habit, another
may see as keeping up with the current times. As humans we perceive based on
our emotions and intellect.
References
