New Limbs

In class, we discussed the notion of technology, phones in particular, becoming so central to our lives that we feel attached to them the way we do limbs. I never leave home without my phone, and I never attend class without my laptop. Recently, I put my computer on the floor next to my bed. My friend commented on how putting a computer on the floor is risky as you may step on it. His comment actually surprised me. How could I step on my computer? Even when I’m not looking at it or using it, I know exactly where it is. My phone is so important to me that I can barely put it away for a full hour without feeling like I may have missed an important call or text.

This relationship with technology can be viewed negatively, as discussed in Strand 1, Unit 4 of the text. Perhaps people are missing out on face-to-face interaction because we are so consumed by technology. However, what is communication technology if not a cultural adaptation to help us stay connected in an ever-growing world? As a college student, I find myself at least a long drive away from my family and closest friends. As my mom explained to me, she did not continue her friendships from high school simply because it was so difficult. She didn’t have the time to travel to see them, and talking on the phone was costly and time consuming. At this point, I can literally send videos of what’s happening in my life to my community or videoconference with my friends who are studying abroad, across the country, or just at the University of Pittsburgh.

The Syntopia Project demonstrates the connectedness I've become aware of through my experiences. Computer Mediated Communication allows for an expansion of my social world, in both existing and new relationships. I am able to share images from my life on Instagram, snippets of my life on Snapchat, thoughts about my day on Twitter, and things I find interesting on Facebook. One of the great aspects of CMC is the “Birds of a feather” phenomenon. When I post an article on Facebook about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the only people who will engage in conversation with me are those who care about the issue. In this way, we can reduce the amount of failed attempts at communication in face-to-face communication by attracting those with similar interests to us, instead of having to seek them out. Strong communities can be built in this manner.

The Sociology of Social Conflict (SOC 425) is structured around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a case study. Each week, we video chat on Skype with students living in both Israel and Gaza to learn about their experiences and views. This allows us to explore the emotional and personal aspects of the conflict and to learn what the daily experience is of citizens rather than the broad, military-based coverage that we receive from most media. CMC, in this situation, allows us to connect on a personal level with people far away, and with the exception of a few Internet connection glitches, there are few technological barriers working against open discussion. Without CMC, this communication would absolutely not be possible. In my opinion, the possibilities of CMC far outweigh the potential negative uses. Sure people can lie and manipulate and bully, but will those things not happen in face-to-face communication regardless? We have only just begun to see what opportunities we will find in the unfolding technology of our time.