Technology has filled our time, energy and homes while emptying our pockets at the same time. Many have several similar products but need to get the next new gadget that does everything you can think of. How effective is technology? Is its expansion in the world really to our benefit? Technology has been created and extended so far where I wonder is it really a blessing, or a curse?
Technology has taken over in many areas, especially the workplace and home. It has become a necessity to have technology throughout work areas, but total takeover has the potential to create a working environment of little or no actual people as employees. Today, we see technology involved in most jobs, considering that most companies have computers. Grocery stores have “enhanced” their stores with self serve machines where the customers do all the work, scanning and bagging their own groceries. I work at a bank. A couple months ago we added quick service terminals to our banking centers, allowing customers to swipe their debit cards so their information automatically comes on the teller’s screen. It’s very convenient, resulting in less work and mistakes made on my end of the transaction. An article in ABA Journal authored by Barbara Rose relates a lawyer’s new way of getting clients, thanks to technology. It states:
New Hampshire lawyer John Deachman was enjoying an egg hunt with his family on Easter morning when his BlackBerry pinged to tell him he had a new client.
The client had registered at his online legal services site, New Hampshire Virtual Law Firm, to purchase an LLC agreement. The document was assembled automatically from the client's responses to an online questionnaire. Back in his office on Monday, Deachman reviewed it, corrected minor errors and notified the client it was ready.
"That was the best $150 I made," he recalls. "I can't tell you how exciting it is when a message comes in on your BlackBerry telling you you've just made money."
Technology has become a big deal inside the home as well. Cell phones, laptops/desktops, and iPods are just a few technological devices added to the average family today. Computers and cell phones allow people to connect at any hour, minute, and second of the day. Social networks allow us to reach others we thought we may never talk to again. IPods and other MP3 players make it convenient to carry thousands of songs in our back pocket, in contrast to cumbersome CD cases holding a maximum of about 50 CDs. There is no need to scream up or down flights of stairs to find family members. A phone call to the cell phone attached to their hip or glued to the palm of their hand will do the trick and if not in the mood for talking, shoot them a text. Technology just makes everything so easily accessible, everything is right at your fingertips.
It is amazing how technology has become so advanced, we are so pampered. However, I still think it is almost too good to be true. For me, the bank teller, there are many customers that love our newest upgrade, the QST, but there are several more who share concern of this new gadget could be the start of replacing humans. I can’t help but consider the job situation for many, especially residing in Michigan. The transition, in the workplace, from man to robot has become astronomical. Machines offer customers a different type of service than humans. When they are working, machines offer quicker and sometimes more efficient service, yet I feel that contact with other individuals is more satisfying. I recall a customer at the bank I work at telling me that he didn’t like the idea of the bank adding technology at the teller line because, with everything automated, it was less delightful since machines couldn’t give him a smile at the end of his transaction, like I did. Now whether he was trying to be flirtatious or not, he made a good point. Machines, well technology, sometimes make a person less affectionate, causing them to become somewhat of a robot, emotionlessly getting in and out.
Filled positions that many physical individuals once occupied, but now are depleted, due to upgraded technology just makes me wonder if this “upgrade” is for our best interest. I considered another article, this time from The Futurist. It discusses the current job situation stating, “The current recession, expected to be the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, will surely put to rest those old concerns about looming labor shortages, right? Probably not. In fact, immigration, globalization, outsourcing, and other trends affecting employment and the workplace will evolve over the next five, 10, and 20 years to change the workplace completely, and well-trained and flexible workers will be at a premium.” After further examination of the article, it mentions “manufacturing jobs in the United States continue to vanish.” The auto industry, which has reduced its dependence on humans dramatically, increases the need for robotic technology to manufacture vehicles. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by job loss in the auto industry. Lastly, the article proceeds expressing what will be needed in the job force. “The industry will need more computer scientists and database technicians to streamline operations and create new systems… it will become much more reliant on information technology. The industry will need to reach and train qualified workers wherever they may be through e-learning technologies.” Granted, there will be individuals employed to service the different technological devices throughout the workplace, but I believe the number will be smaller than if technology was minimal. Another problem is that this does not even mention the individuals who have no technological experience and expertise, such as older ones who tend to be less dependent on technology.
When it comes to home technology, sometimes things backfire. Such advanced technology causes many individuals to become less emotional, lacking social skills. Major contact with others through computer and cell phone screens can hinder some from taking action with people in person. This is especially true when people find themselves less interactive, there is no physical social interaction occurring when a person is cooped up in their room or car while their iPods talk at them. Full reliance on technology can have negative effects on a situation when they fail. A person’s whole day can be off track. For instance, a friend of mine was stranded, finding it difficult to remember numbers to call for help because her phone battery had died. It was too late to memorize important phone numbers in her current situation. The author from an article in Everyman states “I look at the role that technology is playing in our lives -- freeways, apartment buildings, TV, video games, cellular phones, computers -- and I am unsure how helpful it is overall. Where families, communities and neighbourhoods used to provide a few close, intimate relationships, we now have many superficial connections through telephone, FAX and voice mail. Where we were physically close to the human and environmental effects of our actions, now we are technically isolated by… we have found ways of relating that give us just the illusion of togetherness.” The main concern seems to be that of isolations. “Because they do not arise from authentic relating skills such as the ability to be intimate and vulnerable, they are not available to us all the time; they require the drag of technology. And so, like the alcoholic or the drug addict we seek the next fix, the next product or technological advance to reduce our growing sense of isolation.” These effects can cause much harm on humans if technology is not used in moderation.
Technology definitely has its benefits. It allows humans to be less dependent on the individual and more dependent on the technology. Technology has shown much use in the workplace and home; however, it may be the cause for loss. There is much job loss and also a loss of social skills along between people because with technology comes isolation. Technology’s effects must be weighed and moderated before it gears from being a blessing to a curse.
Works Cited
Challenger, John A., and Rick Docksai. "Finding a Job in the 21st Century." The Futurist 43.5 (2009): 29-34. Print.
Ottawa. "Toward Meaningful Work." Everyman 2.5 (1994): 4. Print.
Rose, Barbara. "Online Office-Makers." ABA Journal 95.11 (2009): 23-25. Print.
Sunday
technology survey
After doing my survey I found that several people think similar on the matter of technology. It is greatly evident that technology is being used plenty by people today. Of everyone I surveyed, only one person said they could go a whole day without using a cell phone. It is not very surprising to me, seeing that if I notice I left my phone at home, I will turn around and go back to get it. For the most part, the surveyors believe technology is geared to everyone, but more importantly younger individuals. Computers and Cell phones are what everyone says are most profitable when it comes to technological advances. When people think of advances in technology, they are glad to hear them as well as take advantage of them although the majority believes they are unable to keep up with it. Technology is great but only one person could say they thought it was solely for the benefit of the public. I find it interesting that when it comes to technology, most people have the same thinking pattern, suggesting its necessity and admitting reliance upon it.
Thursday
Saturday
Public Relations
My major here at the university is Communications. I am not completely certain where I would like to take it; however, I find public relations to be interesting and I could see myself involved in something related to it. I love learning about how different people interact in order to accomplish a task. Moreover, I feel it is a good place to be, with the rate of unemployment increasing; public relations are needed in practically everything. Public Relations also seem to deal with psychology because everyone cares about how they are portrayed to the public, whether they are an important figure to the public or a small business owner. I chose to select a few articles that touched on different aspects of public relations, yet are very essential.
In Public Relations Quarterly, an article, “Bridging the Divide: A Public Relation Perspective on Intergenerational Communication,” (2009) by Mark A. Van Dyke, Carmen Haynes, and Jennifer Ferguson-Mitchell, it is implied that the growing generation divide between different ages of individuals in various generations contributes to a widening communication gap in many social settings. First, the writers correlated age to its generation; second, different categories were set up and experimented upon, in which, the interviewees were questioned about interactions with others of their own generation and that of another; lastly, the information collected was used to provide a basis to the study of intergenerational communication. The authors of the article researched several individuals belonging to each generation, in order, to find out if age really is a factor when it comes to communication skills between the generations, where they learned that not all intergenerational interaction if effected; the interests and values of people effect the communication between them. The article is good for people like me or really anyone who pursue to inquire about various interactions between people; it also shows how our public relations not only are intended for business purposes, but they teach us about ourselves.
I considered another article, “Brands People Can Believe In,” (2009) it is out of PR Week and authored by Malcolm Gooderham, where Gooderham suggests that clarity of communication and significant correlation between brands with strong reputations are the keys to achieving recognition to leaders and the rest of the world. In the article, Gooderham states that UK opinion leaders believe that purpose, pioneer, rigor, authenticity and clarity are as paramount and important as the communications. His intention is to encourage those who aim to become a powerful name in society to achieve support from respected leaders. I would say this article is for individuals who hope to become grander in their business; it would be good for those who are unaware of how to expand their business that may currently be a “small” name, yet they desire to known by the majority.
Lastly, the third article I considered had an anonymous author and came out of PR News, entitled “Measurement on a Shoestring: Cost-Effective Ways to Qualify Your PR Efforts;” (2009) it tenders ways that businesses with a more modest budget can gain the best outcome of Public Relations through measuring. The article goes into how measuring things such as outputs, outcome, and social media all demonstrate value and helps the success of company in the long run. This article was written to get readers to see the benefits of measuring. It would be geared toward those seeking a career in public relations or those who are already established, however still in need of insight.
Works Cited
Anonymous. "Measurement on a Shoestring: Cost-Effective Ways to Qualify Your PR Efforts." PR News (2009).
Dyke, Mark A. Van, Carmen Haynes and Jennifer Ferguson-Mitchell. "Bridging the Divide: A Public Relation Perspective on Intergenerational Communication." Public Relations Quarterly (2009).
Gooderham, Malcolm. "Brands People Can Believe In." PR Week (2009).
In Public Relations Quarterly, an article, “Bridging the Divide: A Public Relation Perspective on Intergenerational Communication,” (2009) by Mark A. Van Dyke, Carmen Haynes, and Jennifer Ferguson-Mitchell, it is implied that the growing generation divide between different ages of individuals in various generations contributes to a widening communication gap in many social settings. First, the writers correlated age to its generation; second, different categories were set up and experimented upon, in which, the interviewees were questioned about interactions with others of their own generation and that of another; lastly, the information collected was used to provide a basis to the study of intergenerational communication. The authors of the article researched several individuals belonging to each generation, in order, to find out if age really is a factor when it comes to communication skills between the generations, where they learned that not all intergenerational interaction if effected; the interests and values of people effect the communication between them. The article is good for people like me or really anyone who pursue to inquire about various interactions between people; it also shows how our public relations not only are intended for business purposes, but they teach us about ourselves.
I considered another article, “Brands People Can Believe In,” (2009) it is out of PR Week and authored by Malcolm Gooderham, where Gooderham suggests that clarity of communication and significant correlation between brands with strong reputations are the keys to achieving recognition to leaders and the rest of the world. In the article, Gooderham states that UK opinion leaders believe that purpose, pioneer, rigor, authenticity and clarity are as paramount and important as the communications. His intention is to encourage those who aim to become a powerful name in society to achieve support from respected leaders. I would say this article is for individuals who hope to become grander in their business; it would be good for those who are unaware of how to expand their business that may currently be a “small” name, yet they desire to known by the majority.
Lastly, the third article I considered had an anonymous author and came out of PR News, entitled “Measurement on a Shoestring: Cost-Effective Ways to Qualify Your PR Efforts;” (2009) it tenders ways that businesses with a more modest budget can gain the best outcome of Public Relations through measuring. The article goes into how measuring things such as outputs, outcome, and social media all demonstrate value and helps the success of company in the long run. This article was written to get readers to see the benefits of measuring. It would be geared toward those seeking a career in public relations or those who are already established, however still in need of insight.
Works Cited
Anonymous. "Measurement on a Shoestring: Cost-Effective Ways to Qualify Your PR Efforts." PR News (2009).
Dyke, Mark A. Van, Carmen Haynes and Jennifer Ferguson-Mitchell. "Bridging the Divide: A Public Relation Perspective on Intergenerational Communication." Public Relations Quarterly (2009).
Gooderham, Malcolm. "Brands People Can Believe In." PR Week (2009).
Monday
Screen Shot
When change is composed in digital spaces, it is expanded and accommodating. It is basically limitless because through digital spaces, many barriers and obstacles are overcome. For example, I am a student at UMD. Many times I find it difficult to create a work and school schedule, which also allows me to have something of a social life. I do not live near the University so it is important that my classes are on the same days, in order to reduce traveling between cities several times a week. The option to take courses online allows me to accommodate all my needs. I can get the same education from my home that I can receive driving 35 minutes to UMD.
Digital change shapes a world and a people who are connected in ways that were unreachable in years prior. Instead of meeting new people in person, individuals now seek to add random others, who they have no knowledge of, as their “friends” on digital networking spaces.
Composing change brings the bad, along with the good. Digital spaces can often be very time consuming. To get a better understanding of the digital composing process, an individual has to learn by utilizing such digital spaces. Another way to gain knowledge of how they work, it may take assistance from another who is experience in this new change.
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