Social Networking
By using social networking does that open the door to be disconnected from civilization? Will we be so used to sending an email to get something done that we forget how to talk to people?
yes there is a need/advantage to all of these and the convenience is wonderful.
Maria ,
yes, this is very true & I appreciate your emphasis upon balance.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Just like everything else, I think as long as we maintain a healthy balance,the experience should further enrich and not disconnect us from civilization. Overdoing in social media certainly may take away the importance of the face to face connection.
Anthony,
great point! There are times for all of the above, we just need to keep the personal, human connection.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe it depends on the individual. I like to believe that most people want personal interactions, but like the convenience of texting, email, and social networking. I use all of them, depending on the situation I have in front of me.
Some people will overdo it, and spend their entire life on FB. Some will spend their entire life playing "World of Warfare." But not the vast majority. As always, your class will be a heterogeneous group. They still like to connect with each other.
One thing I have noticed, however. I have my speech classes submit one "journal entry" per week about their interpersonal communication out in the world. MANY, MANY of them are having their most important conversations on the phone, rather than in person. They are breaking up with each other and trying to resolve conflicts ON THE FREAKING PHONE, instead of being in the same room. THIS worries me a little.
Jarred,
this is a good question & one I'm still wrestling with. But I did have one Gen Y student share this thought with me that has stuck with me: "Just because I'm texting & not looking up at strangers, don't assume I'm disconnected from the world. I'm very connected. You see, I may be texting with a friend who is going through a hard time & I'm trying to encourage them. So while I may not smile at a stranger, I'm very connected with people." Good food for thought.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
