24/7 Super-connectedness
There are new and emerging technologies in today's society and the amount of super connectedness will only increase. According to Pew Research Center, 77% of Americans own a smartphone. This puts information at the tip of our fingertips 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most cell phone users will sleep with their cell phone beside their bed which gives them the feeling that they are constantly connected to the world.
Advancements in technology allow people to stay connected. There are also higher expectations to stay in contact with people who are far away and respond in a timely manner. The internet and digital media create a sense of comfort and inclusivity online and in face to face interactions. There are many ways individuals can use digital media, such as playing video games, interacting on social media or entertainment such as Netflix.
The negatives of 24/7 connectedness include stress, information overload and FOMO. FOMO, fear of missing out, is highly relevant in today's society due to the instant photo and video uploads that can cause anxiety for the person who was not invited to the party. Information overload can occur very quickly because you can check four different social media sites within 15 minutes and become sucked in. Too much time with digital media and the internet can create a dependency or an addiction. Dependency is when the individual becomes enmeshed in a downward behavioral spiral characterized by mounting life problems and the failure of coping skills. People love the feeling of being involved and valued online.
We all have found ourselves sucked into buying the newest iPhone or creating a new social media account. Checking social media and being online is necessary in today's society. We cannot be without email or our phone if we want to stay in the loop of all the latest news and events.
We will only have to keep adjusting as new technologies emerge.
Thanks for reading!
Remember, sometimes you have to put the technology down and just take a breather.
Full Swing Ahead
Emily Stinson
Sources:
Chapter 9 - Chayko
