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

Chatfield, T. (2015). “Are we over-connected”? Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150310-are-you-over-connected