communication

Have you ever stopped to think about the direction communication that is taking with all the new developments in software and technology?  I’ve been thinking about this for the last couple weeks, it’s a rather complicated topic to ponder.

I first started thinking about this topic when Dr. Reed mentioned in computer programming that when computers came about, it enhanced communication around the world.  We were able to communication internationally.  This was a really big deal.  But he also posed the question: did computers really enhance communication?

Take a look at how people are communicating in this day and age.  Hell, even I am party to it!  People text and send emails.  There are such things as Facebook and Twitter where you can follow what your friends are doing without even asking them.  I was reminded by a friend of mine that we used to have to take the time to have a conversation with people, ask them how their day is.  These days, instead of having those face-to-face conversations, you make a call, send a text, or send an email.  Post on your friend’s wall to check in with them. Send an instant message.

Take a look at what you do each day, those small habits you have.  One of the first things I do when I get up is to power on my computer.  Before I head to class, I turn my iPod on and put the earphones in.  Conveniently blocking out the everyday noise.  Most of my classes these days have computers in them or allow for personal laptops.  I text family and friends throughout my day, most of the time in preference over a call.  Maybe make an occcasional call.  I send emails.  While walking back to my apartment, I turn the iPod back on.  Sometimes, the TV is on when I get back to my room.  Get my point?  There’s so much technology integrated in our daily lives these days that we don’t even think about it.

This is not to say that I am anti-technology.  I am a geek.  Seriously.  I love technology and the advantages it provides for me.

It’s just, these days, that I am constantly amazed at the great conversations I have been having with people.  Some of the time, these conversations happen at work with people I have never met before.  Most of the time, I have great conversations with my friends and family, talking about anything under the sun.  I find that it’s usually very refreshing to have these conversations.  And they usually leave a grin on my face..if not a look of deep thought.  So these days, I try to go out of my way to have such conversations with the people in my life.

Have you even thought about the greetings we often exchange with people we see every day?  “Hey, how are you?” or “How’re you doing?” exchanged on the fly while the people keep walking without even waiting for the answer.  I know, I’m guilty of it too.  I think about these greetings and wonder if the people asking them really care about my answer.  I wonder if the people I greet ask themselves the same thing about me.  Now, it makes me just a little sad to think about this.

So, in conclusion, I’m not sure what I think about the enhancement of communication through technology.  I am deeply appreciative of the technology that allows me to remain in contact with my family and friends who live in Hawaii.  And, I understand that we are now able to communicate better and faster with the rest of the world.  But I think technology can also be viewed as a double-edged sword.  We should be wary.

So think about these ideas.  I just wanted to bring these thoughts to light..so that maybe others would take the time to enjoy a great conversation with a friend, family member, or even stranger.  Take a break from your busy schedule to truly interact with another person.  I know, these are words I need to heed too.

=)  Have a great day.  (Once again, I’m sorry this took so long to get up!)