I began to mention this in class yesterday...Do you think that we are approaching a generation that will have struggles with interpersonal communication due to their constant use of technology to communicate?
I think technology, especially things like texting, Twitter, and facebook, encourage a lot of talking but not a lot of listening. Technology is very narcissistic in that respect: it keeps us focused on ourselves, our problems, our thoughts, our interests. But listening is perhaps the most vital skill for interpersonal communication. As a result, I think learning to listen, learning to give more than take in relationships, will be a struggle for those of us raised with technology. I don't think it's a hopeless situation, and I do see some powerful examples of interpersonal communication among people saturated with technology; but technology is probably more of a hindrance than a help in this regard.
It is interesting to see the technology of a blog being put to this kind of use when being asked this type of question. This method is a form of digital listening; asking for response and anticipating feedback. I feel that the situation may be very tough if technology continues to divide us as individuals but I am unsure if that is where this technology will lead us. I hope it leads us back out into the interpersonal world somehow.
I think there are people, and not just younger people, who do not know how to communicate without cellphones, Instant Messaging, Twitter, etc. anymore.
Basic conversasions, and shared dialog is "art form" (whoever would have thought gabbing would be considered an art?!?!?) that has become uncomfortable for many people. People hide behind pithy posts and self-centered tweets that are more about themselves and their STATEMENTS then about sharing ideas and having constructive conversations with people.
I am as guilty as many of the people I complain about. Just last night my brother called to wish my son a Happy Birthday and my 4 year old could hold a 20 minute conversation with my 28 yr old brother, but I struggled to find 5 minutes worth of dialog to share.
I do think that in many ways technology is bringing us closer, but how we communicate has to adjust as well. I do notice with Skyping and to some extent Google Wave as well, the free flow and sharing/talking in real time does bring people more into community again.
I think technology, especially things like texting, Twitter, and facebook, encourage a lot of talking but not a lot of listening. Technology is very narcissistic in that respect: it keeps us focused on ourselves, our problems, our thoughts, our interests. But listening is perhaps the most vital skill for interpersonal communication. As a result, I think learning to listen, learning to give more than take in relationships, will be a struggle for those of us raised with technology. I don't think it's a hopeless situation, and I do see some powerful examples of interpersonal communication among people saturated with technology; but technology is probably more of a hindrance than a help in this regard.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see the technology of a blog being put to this kind of use when being asked this type of question. This method is a form of digital listening; asking for response and anticipating feedback. I feel that the situation may be very tough if technology continues to divide us as individuals but I am unsure if that is where this technology will lead us. I hope it leads us back out into the interpersonal world somehow.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutly...
ReplyDeleteI think there are people, and not just younger people, who do not know how to communicate without cellphones, Instant Messaging, Twitter, etc. anymore.
Basic conversasions, and shared dialog is "art form" (whoever would have thought gabbing would be considered an art?!?!?) that has become uncomfortable for many people. People hide behind pithy posts and self-centered tweets that are more about themselves and their STATEMENTS then about sharing ideas and having constructive conversations with people.
I am as guilty as many of the people I complain about. Just last night my brother called to wish my son a Happy Birthday and my 4 year old could hold a 20 minute conversation with my 28 yr old brother, but I struggled to find 5 minutes worth of dialog to share.
I do think that in many ways technology is bringing us closer, but how we communicate has to adjust as well. I do notice with Skyping and to some extent Google Wave as well, the free flow and sharing/talking in real time does bring people more into community again.