Evolution of communication technology changes the way students interact with one another
Kim Borkowski
Equinox Staff
Imagine waking up one morning and all of modern technology is non-existent–no more computers to check your Facebook or Twitter, no smartphones to keep your eyes glued to while walking down Appian Way, no more emailing any of your friends, relatives, or professors. Could you handle it? Modern technology has become a constant in daily lives. Cell phones, for example, are seen in most students’ hands from the time of waking up until going to bed. A student with his or her phone sitting on the desk during class is a familiar scene on the Keene State College campus.
[singlepic id=1009 w=320 h=240 float=right]
Thomson Reuters, an international news agency, reported on a study done at the University of Maryland, which suggested many students might actually be addicted. According to Reuters, “Researchers…who asked 200 students to give up all media for one full day found that after 24 hours many showed signs of withdrawal, craving, and anxiety, along with an inability to function well without their media and social links.” A KSC senior, Samantha Nee, did her senior project this spring semester on how technology, especially cell phones, has impacted the generation of those in high school all the way to those in their 20s.
“We’re in constant connection. We realize it, but haven’t lived any different. We’ve only ever seen a society that is so reliant on this technology,” Nee stated. She explained that our parents and grandparents don’t understand our reliance because they have seen a society where cell phones never existed. Nee also gave the example that many students of the technology dependent generation are guilty of: texting while having a conversation face-to-face. She explained how people don’t realize how rude it is. “You shouldn’t have a conversation with someone who isn’t there. This is saying, ‘The person I’m texting is more important.’ You should be in the face-to-face conversation fully; be in the moment.” Nee continued to point out the other flaws and dangers when it comes to our reliance. “There’s no emotion behind technology. Stuff we say through a text or post on Facebook can be interpreted differently – and this can cause conflict.”
She said she also believes we hide behind technology to avoid face-to-face confrontation, which has caused us to be more shy and socially awkward. Ann Atkinson, a communications professor and chair of the Communication, Journalism, and Philosophy department, agreed with Nee in commenting on technology’s way of vastly impacting the younger generation. “As technology has been helpful, it has also discouraged students from being fully present. The attention is divided,” Atkinson said. She explained that cell phones have caused a way to escape class, a lecture, or a presentation. “Technology has created this ability. [The cell phones] are easier to focus on rather than the complicated material.” In her years of teaching, Atkinson said she hasn’t seen the grammatical or spelling mistakes get any worse. However, she said she has noticed a difference in her public speaking course that she believes is due to technology.
“Technology has made a difference in research. Students aren’t good critics anymore of what’s really strong, good information versus what is just okay information,” Atkinson said. She explained years ago students would actually go to the library and take the journal off the shelf, and physically research for their speeches. She added that at that time the students seemed to be much more nervous to present their speech than the students of today. “They would be extremely nervous about a great, well-written speech. Today, however, students just look at the journals online and never actually see them in person. They’re a lot less nervous now about presenting a speech that’s not as good,” Atkinson explained. Atkinson also commented on the informality technology has caused when it comes to communicating. She said she couldn’t explain how many emails she has received from complete strangers that actually start it out with, “Hey Ann.”
“Increased access makes people conclude they can be less formal,” Atkinson concluded. Not only has the evolution of technology impacted the way we send emails, but it has also worked its way into our academics. A tutor at the Center for Writing, junior Chelsey Watson, said the biggest problem she has seen is the struggle students have when putting their thought on paper. She explained she doesn’t think it’s solely technology’s fault, but it has affected the younger generation. “We’re uncomfortable in academic writing. With texting, it’s quick and to the point, and that’s what we’re used to. So, I have students come in saying, ‘I can’t write five pages! I don’t know what to say for that long,’” Watson stated. Senior Elizabeth Francese, another tutor at the Center for Writing, echoed Watson in stating that communicating through texting, emailing, and Facebook has created short-term thinking.“You don’t have to get a larger thought across through texts. It’s caused our thought processes to be shorter, but then again, it can be just as intellectual,” Francese said. When asked how we could fix what we’ve created, Nee explained the first step is becoming more aware of the problem.
“A lot of people don’t realize how rude the constant connection is. We need to cut back,” she said. Watson suggested finding a balance. “I still read as much as I can. Students see reading as a chore and don’t realize the positive effects it has.” She added, “When I do text, I text in proper English. People should find a better balance in texting and speaking.”
Kim Borkowski can be contacted at kborkowski@keene-equinox.com