this site has my paper Essays - Communication, Human Communication

Participant # 1 23/M Security Officer RB:?What effects do you think communication technologies may be having on society, communities, individuals, or on other aspects of our culture P1: Well the first thing that comes to mind has to be the innovations of modern technology, which has made communication quicker and instantaneous. I mean I can talk to anyone, anywhere on the planet basically. RB: Any specific technology you use? P1: Oh yes! I use Facebook, Myspace (sometimes), Skype, Google Wave and many more. All have made it possible for me to talk to my family and friends in California, Boston. I can see them while we chat over the computer with programs like Skype. It's all quite exciting. But a major pitfall is the effect the technology is having with others in face-to-face communication. It's not like back in the day where people could just walk outside and have a conversation with their neighbors, now you walk outside and the neighborhood is empty it seems, and if you do see your neighbor it for a brief moment because they and everyone are on the run. I guess all I can say is, that's the way it is. RB: Why do you say, ?that's the way it is? P1: because that's the product of conditioning. The world is going with the flow and progressing with the technology, incorporating it in most if not all aspects of their lives. You know it's funny to see all these online-dating websites these days. It's as if people are scared of each-other. Its all a bit awkward. RB: What other effects do you think there may be? P1: I think we will get to a point where zombies walk the Earth, and not the brain thirsty ones, those who are so disconnected with the world around them wearing ear-buds connected to iPods, surgically attached cellphones at birth, and who knows what else...Maybe we will become technology. Like the saying goes, ?you are what you eat?...You are what you consume, and that a hell of a lot of technology. On a serious note, I think people will become and more detached from reality as the years and technology progress. It's already happening now. Walk around downtown Chicago and watch the people as they pass you by, no eye contact, looking at the floor, texting and talking on cellphone while driving. We're all going to die one day because of technology. Weapons are even smart now. RB: What other communication technology effects come to mind? P1: My friend I don't think I have anymore. Unless you'd like me to speak more about some apocalyptic conspiracy theories? RB: Nope! That will do. Thank you so much for your time and entertaining, yet insightful input. Participant # 2 28/M Unemployed, Skater RB:?What effects do you think communication technologies may be having on society, communities, individuals, or on other aspects of our culture P2:Personally I feel like communication technology has gone past the point of practical and straight to invasive. I don't like it. But at the same time I don't think I could function without it. That's the sad part. RB: What aspect(s) of communication technology can't you live/function without? P2: I could live without all of it honestly. We all can. We never will though. The evolution of technology makes old ways of living impossible. Who do you know these days that doesn't have a cell phone or the internet? They have made them life necessities now rather than luxuries. And although they have a number of perks I find they mostly provide a means to steal some of my everyday freedoms. RB:What other effects might there be? P2:All I'm saying is that the world worked perfectly for centuries without these technologies and now that we have them the human race seems to be inefficient at almost everything but technology. Person to person social interaction has got to be at an all time low these days. RB:Is communication technology dulling peoples abilities to effectively communicate face-to-face? P2:Exactly. I grew up in a neighborhood that was very tight knit. We had to go out and interact with other kids cuz it was the only way. So much of this new generation rely on the internet and online gaming for socializing that the streets are empty. No kids playing. Nobody knows anyone in my neighborhood anymore. It's sad. I