A piece of hardware is often the most utilized tool of communication. The internet a stream of consciousness for some, a platform for prejudice or greed for others. Many see it as an opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals. No matter its intent, technology has a way of bridging any gaps. Making sure that most people feel a part of the larger human population. Some rely on it as their sole communication, while others branch out into public and find other more constructive ways to communicate. Remember when letters and postcards were the norm? Now emails and Instagram. I find that I use Twitter a lot and Voxer some. At work though it is almost entirely email. It is easy to send a quick email rather than walk to a colleagues classroom and have a face to face. Lately though this has been disheartening me. I miss interfacing with others. Finding time in our busy days to say "Hello" to others. To seek out a one-on-one conversation, eye contact, smile, nodding in agreement. A lost art form. The art of interpersonal contact, articulation of our words, interpretation of the other persons facial expressions. Choosing our words carefully as not to offend or upset another person. This has all vanished because of anonymity.
Glances cause us to see the other individual, recognize their emotions. If we are behind a device we simply speak, utter, insult without any remorse. "They are just words," many say after they have been awful and disrespectful on-line. But, if they were face-to-face with this person, believe me their words would be different. Reliability, validity, honesty, humility, are often hidden or masked on the internet. While corroboration is alive and well with many jumping on the band wagon no matter the cost- all because of anonymity. The mob mentality is fierce. But, if people had to look their prey in the eye, hear them speak, feel their pain many would leave the pack. Interfacing is critical in life. Interacting socially is a skill many of our youth are losing because they simply talk through their Play Station while gaming or Skype which is losing the intimacy and interchange needed for relationships and trust.
We all need to put down the device once and awhile and look someone in the eye and have a conversation. A real honest conversation. When our president is Tweeting his every thought- good or bad and our bullies have over run many social media, we need to stop and accept the fact that we need to take a step back and get more personal and interface in reality not just plug in and rely on technology to do all the talking.
No comments:
Post a Comment