Tech & Society

Link: Look Up

With all our talk about communication within society and how technology has changed the way people interact with each other, I decide to try and find a video I had seen several months ago with, what I would consider, a pretty powerful message. 

We, as a society, are so consumed with technology and the ease in which this computer mediated communication (CMC), or interaction between people through the use of electronics, allows us to interact that we are slowly losing touch with the physical world. As described in "Look Up," we have a deep seeded need for this connectivity. We thrive upon likes and shares, things that have no true value - no meaning - especially when compared to the connections, friendship, and happiness that physical presence of those we care about can bring. We look for these worthless things as an ego boost because we are so lacking in human interaction and we are so closed off from each other that these arbitrary numbers at the bottom of a photo can bring such joy to our society of reclused. Our attention span is almost nonexistent and we check our phones a hundred, two hundred, three hundred times a day. We see nothing wrong with this, with the harsh glow ever present on our face from the display. This technology we've grown so close to allows us to communicate like never before. Never has it been easier to get in touch with a person and never have we spent so much time behind a closed door. This video and my views are somewhat aligned, we need to find a balance between technology and the real world. Life is about creating memories and having experiences, not living through a screen or a faux persona. It might seem difficult, but we need to take a step back, a step away. We need to learn to look people in the eye and to communicate face to face, even if it puts you in an uncomfortable, unknown place.

This topic really resonates with me. While I am quite well versed with technology, including aspects the majority of the population is totally unaware of, I hate looking around at the zombies we have become. If more people took time to enjoy their surroundings instead of getting lost in a game there might be less depression and sadness in our population. Just keep that phone in your pocket on your walk from the car, take in your surroundings and just see where you are. Take in the world you've passed by so many times before, say 'hi' to a stranger or catch up with friends. Just keep that phone tucked away and you'll see what I mean, the zombies around us, attached to their screen.

The writer of this spoken word film has created an emotional work that really relates to many people. We aren't entirely aware of our actions, but this shows us the possible consequences. I feel the word choices, tone, music, and images used are immensely powerful and can help to promote change within our society. This video went viral and has almost 50 million views, and while that might be the opposite what Gary Turk wants people to do, after watching it, I want to increase my independence from these technological chains. Electronics and the internet have given us some great things so I don't think we need to leave it behind, but to lessen our grip and become more comfortable with speaking aloud and sharing our minds. It is a part of our life, but it doesn't have to consume us.

A future overwhelmed by technology