We are obviously living in an era of change. I guess everyone does, in some form or another, but technologically, we are like little lab rats. Youth today have embraced sites like Facebook & Twitter and forms of communication like texting without a second thought. (I mean, a few years ago, teenagers had actually been given the label the “MySpace generation.”) We’re less personal yet more frequent in our communication patterns. Technology allows us to talk to, often on a regular basis, people we wouldn’t normally interact with more than an occasional bumping-into. We multitask far more than our parents; we feel the need to talk to several people at any given time, while also doing other things. We lose focus while simultaneously gaining variety. We forge relationships through the Internet, often “getting to know” someone through text on a screen name rather than via face-to-face or voice-to-voice contact. Maybe it’s just easier in a lot of cases; perhaps breaking the ice seems much easier through a computer…
I think these developments are more than just a way to keep in touch. Maybe they serve as mediums through which we receive recognition, as kids today increasingly seem to crave constant attention more than any other demographic. Maybe, though, it’s just manifested itself differently. We use a multitude of ways to express ourselves and hope for some feedback in return (have we always?). Who honestly took the “MySpace shot” in their mirror before the advent of the site? Friends being there isn’t enough, we need ongoing reminders that we are important. We spend nearly as much, if not more, time with technology – listening to our iPods, talking or texting on our phones, and using the computer – as we do with our family. With so many more avenues for interaction available to us, we spend more time thinking about our life than actually living it.
Do you think we’ve progressed, or taken two steps back at the expense of a step forward? Sound off in the comments.
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jcarlevil
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it lets you talk to more people true, but there is no personal face to face
I think you will all find this video interesting. Might drive some points home.
http://vimeo.com/9641036
Giz must be reading the comments of iOers: http://goo.gl/xmAq
lol!
Ironically enough, the same medium that you are ranting about is what’s allowing you to spread your message in the first place.
I’m not sure there’s something inherently backwards about the expansion of the internet as a medium of communication. True, it can lead to the mindless interaction that passes for conversation on Twitter, Facebook, etc. But the internet is a great tool, giving people a chance to stay connected where before it would be nearly impossible. I am able to talk to all of you, and I have made connections with people that I cherished, and still do.
And who’s to say this is a phenomenon exclusive to this youth generation? Maybe if your generation grew up in these conditions, things would still be the same. It’s nice to be able to say that kids these days are so stupid, that we were better, that only we can change this trend and make the world a better place. But the generation above you said the exact same thing about you guys. And the generation before that. And so on. Most of those internet idiots are gonna grow up and become well-adjusted people, just as the previous generation did. I like to think older people have a superiority complex, which can hinder their own growth by always thinking you’re better than the guys before you.
As to being an “internet” bully- it’s like being a regular bully, but without actually being physically intimidating. It’s a lack of self-esteem, with personal insecurity, that drives people to make others feel bad at their own gain. It seems like more of a hassle b/c anybody, anywhere can do it to anyone.
I’m not sure that applies to the situation. People do mature, but that doesn’t mean they are going to get better and become respectable members of society. Even look at iO for example, lets say we are all decent people (WHICH WE ARE), we still are only a community of 2000+ people, which in the grand scheme of people who use the internet is 2000 out of.. several 100 millions probably. Good chance large sum won’t or they grow up with a very different attitude.
Internet itself is great for keeping in touch with relatives, information, it truly is a great tool. It’s too what extent they use it, a lot of people will message their parents which live 2 blocks from them on a phone over calling or going over. People have gotten lazy.
I do agree with this “. But the generation above you said the exact same thing about you guys. And the generation before that. And so on.”
All generations from what I’ve been able to tell have all had different personalities in comparison to other generations. My Grandpa life revolved around getting things done by hand, it was his life, working was life blood, doing what your told wasn’t questionable, my parents were different and so am I. They all think the next generation is getting worse and it simply is, fat kids are really common now, most are out of shape, and there is a lot of kids who mature a lot slower or are detached from sensitivity.
Communications has definitely taken a step forward but really whens the last time you had a phone conversation with somebody that’s taken longer than 3 mins? Another thing is all this facebook myspace aim texting etc has developed people into thinking they can be all tough and then it gets them into trouble later. This sites and different ways of communication are great but you need to take it all in moderation. Some people just sit on facebook all day long and thats not healthy lol. Society has definitely taken a couple steps back.
smiFF i agree with the tough thing dude. It’s easier for someone to type insults through a computer screen and say things one would never thing about saying to someone’s face. It’s really ridiculous some of the crap I see these 11, 12 year old kids saying to one another in my facebook feed.
I agree with the “tough guy” mentality, but I also think that communicating over the internet allows the mind to dehumanize whoever is on the other end. “They’re not a real person, so I can say whatever I want and it isn’t going to matter.” The idea of thinking before you speak is completely eliminated for some people, and sometimes it carries over into real life, which can turn into huge social problems.
I like to simply observe people and their reactions online and be objective. I find it very informative about peoples true personality. People who are rude, ignorant, arrogant, ectra, these are extensions of ones self.
There is no ‘I was just playing,’ or any other variation, everything you do is formed from a thought process going through your mind, if you don’t want to admit you were actually thinking about it, that’s fine, but don’t lie, just don’t say anything.
One of my biggest peeves is someone who is fake, pretending to be anything obviously pertaining to a relationship, be friendship or dating. Honesty is important. I can tell if you are, so don’t bother trying! haha.
I’m in the middle generation I communicate a lot through virtual world, but nothing beats just relaxing with a bunch of friends and family in real life. Hard to believe especially women spending 80% of their life on a phone. Small world after all.
the generation of keyboard warriors!
http://tcritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/greaterdickwad.jpg
I agree so much with the two steps back perspective. The new generation of kids are extremely disrespectful too and I think that in some way attributes to the way things have advanced in technology with all the facebook bs etc. I guess it’s up to our generation (the people that are in their mid-late 20’s early 30’s) to change this cycle with knowledge of the myspace generation and the knowledge of the pre-myspace generation.
Great post.