The Technology of Communicating

Understanding how changes in technology impact on the way humans communicate, and the ethical issues that surround these changes.

From beating a drum to tapping a screen. Many believe we have evolved, a few suggest we devolved. Either way, how we communicate with one another has definitely changed.

Today, with so many options, the human race is able to communicate more quickly over distance, and far more cost effectively (Wong, 2016). We have the ability to access an excess of information, and can find out about events on the other side of the world immediately. Yet, despite these incredible advances, it is suggested that we are equally losing touch with the world around us.

We no longer need to go out to socialise, instead 'hiding behind a screen'. A new addiction has surfaced, the lesser understood 'Technology Addiction', often described to be seen in teenagers (always on that screen!) but just as easily seen in adults. Admittedly, 'Technology Addiction' hasn't been added to the list of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), through an 'addiction to Internet Gaming' has been recommended for further study in the DSM.

Another issue that has risen through the changes in technology can often be found through Bloggers. That's right, Bloggers (as well as Youtuber's, Twitter or Instagram celebs), through sharing their ideas (which they, and their followers often see to be true) become quote-unquote 'experts'.

As I wrote about in my 'Do I Need a Digital Footprint' post (For the record I don't consider myself an expert!), everything we post is recorded. In the past, the only communication recorded was the 'very important ones' (such as religious or political texts). If someone said something they wish they could take back, it could be forgotten by others, now, it's as if all we say is very important, and is recorded. Imagine everything you posted was published in a book, and circulated. Our internet experience is very similar to this, it's just our writings are in a different place, and often people can forget this. This issue can cause many problems, such as people losing their job, credibility or popularity. What we choose not to think through, or blindly tell our 'followers' (think of those false Facebook 'facts', or fake beauty regimes bloggers may share) has serious potential impact on the world around us.

These ethical issues are just some of the problems we have to cope with, alongside our endless possibilities. In the overall picture, our modern technology has not been around for very long, and maybe these issues need some 'getting used to'. Who knows what the future will bring? For one, I'm excited to see, problems and all!

References:

Addiction.com. (n.d.). Technology Addiction | Internet Addiction. [online] Available at: https://www.addiction.com/addiction-a-to-z/technology-addiction/.

Wong, W. (2016). How Technology Has Changed the Way We Communicate. [online] WPS Office Blog. Available at: http://blog.wps.com/how-technology-has-changed-the-way-we-communicate/.