Technology Case

June 15, 2011

Essay 1

Technology

Everyone has their opinion about how newer technology has been a great asset to our new generation and how effective communication has been enhanced, since we are all in touch so to speak. I personally agree to a certain point, but beg to differ on the flip side of "How has using newer communication affected my time alone."

We as a whole seem to agree on the fact that cell phones have been a great way of communicating in this day and age. About a decade or so ago a cell phone was considered a luxury for communication with one another; now it is seen as a necessity and must have for many people. People or should I say most people, have given up their landlines for the cell phone.

However we used to leave our homes and if you missed a call, then once you were home they would call back until they got you on the telephone. The answering machine was used to retrieve any missed calls and you then could check your voice messages once you check your answering machine. Now, cell phones are so on the rise, we act as though, we can't leave home without it. Or we act like no call can go missed and I am wondering if we have gone too far with communication or with our "new technology".

The effect of this change in our means of communication has had its ups and downs. For all people. It has made communicating with my children very good and I think it has opened up a lot of doors for several people as well. People say they can check their e-mails from their phones and send text messages to different people as well as receive them.

You can get on the internet and stay connected to the outside world for hours at time. However, for me it has taken its toll on me. The cell phone has affected my time alone tremendously. I don't seem to have any "me" time anymore. If I'm sleep, the cell phone goes off and if I try to study, the cell phone goes off, or I end up receiving a text all because I ignored my cell phone rang. If I am in class and my cell phone goes off, not only does it bother me, it bothers whoever is next to me. I tried to sit down with my children the other night, so I could see how everyone's day was and my daughter was texting the whole time. I thought she was being very rude. I felt like our time was not our time at all because she was not in tune with me nor was she listening to a thing I was saying to her or her siblings. So I felt violated and disrespected all in the same breath. My time along with her meant nothing so I had a problem with that.

At the same time, I like when there is no phone, no landline, no television or any type of device ringing in my ear. It is so rare and few that I have quietness, that when it does happen I try to savor it! Having time alone is very important to