Media Technology, Part 2: Consequences

Our world does not seem very far off from becoming a futuristic science fiction novel. Upon viewing the REAL world through our own eyes, we might see as many people who are plugged into their iPhones or Blackberries today, getting their digital fix through sunglasses and earpieces. People will be moving their hands in front of them- a silent charade of air guitar and wiggly fingers- collecting, creating, sharing data and entertainment through a screen only visible to them. People will become even more efficient in their digital lives, but like we can already see in today’s world, much more disconnected with their natural reality. The pleasure received from putting on these glasses and instantly being connected to ‘the matrix’ will be extraordinary and people will not understand its long-term effects and consequences, just as many don’t with our current personal computer devices. The same as we see today from video games, ipods, and mobile web access, people become ADD- lazy in physical or mental hard work but superspeed with digital work or entertainment-, more removed from their fellow man (following them on facebook does not count), and less and less reflective and peaceful in God’s nature.

Although I myself often wish I had an iPhone to download a million of the new applications, believing that they can improve my life’s scheduling/efficiency/productivity, humor, or entertainment, I’ve been resisting the temptation. Call me ‘oldschool’ or a skeptic, that’s fine- I’m sure I am that in today’s society. But, I see 95% of the people on the T either on the phone, texting someone, playing a mobile game, or plugged into their iPods and it freaks me out. We have become so ‘connected’ to this digital world. The capabilities of today’s technology can allow users to be more independent, but come with a feeling and reality of isolation, whether the user knows it or not. I see conspiracy theories of someone like Apple or Google manipulating us into more than just 'needing' more of their product, complete with a classic villain with his hand on a master switch.

Yes, its ironic that I actually work in a digital media industry while saying all this. As someone who assists brands explore new ways to digitally target different audiences, I may be one of the very people causing our society and culture to become more plugged in and utterly dependent on their Smartphone. I guess I rationalize this cognitive dissonance with 2 things: first, that the brands I work for and the ways we're targeting their audience doesn't seem to be detrimental to our culture (I generally just place ads on website and newsletters for Harvard Business School and Rite Aid Pharmacy) The second rationalizing tool is the hope that people know that too much TV and connectivity isn't always the most positive thing and that it is important to go 'off the grid' every now and then. However, when I see the whole train in their own digital world, I think this hope might be in vain. Ideally, I'd like to be able to understand and grow in this industry enough to where I may be able to work with these technologies, but use them for positive intentions. It's a tough idea to wrap your mind around though, when you think that it may be the technologies themselves that's doing the harm.