I witnessed the most abysmal scene yesterday: three people were sitting at a table in Olive Garden and out of the roughly 30 minutes I was there I saw them interact with each other for a total of 10 minutes; the rest of the time each person was instead looking at their phone.
Technology is mind-blowing at this point and new media is continuing to blossom. At what point, though, do we acknowledge that perhaps it is getting out of hand? The interaction between human and technology is taking the place of the interaction between human and human.
Let’s look at Facebook. I do not deny that Facebook is a new media masterpiece which allows people across the globe to stay connected. Users can post status updates to inform their friends and family what is going on in their life, share pictures and videos, and communicate with others. Facebook is an absolute godsend for the best friends that are separated by an ocean or the grandparents that want to watch their grandchild grow up even though they are 10,000 miles away.
The problem lies in the three people at Olive Garden. Technology and all forms of new media should be strictly supplemental. Our interaction with technology should enhance our interactions with those around us, not replace them.
New Media for Technical Communication Portfolio 
Love the topic.
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You did such a great job at pulling me in with the first sentence of this post! Immediately I was able to relate to the scene you witnessed because sadly, it is something I see often. This scenario reminded me a lot of “Family X” from our textbook when each member of the family are all on their laptops with the TV playing in the background. Technology and new media have become such a part of our daily lives. I work in customer service and have noticed that about 95% of my customers are either on their smartphone or have it in their hand when they’re at the registers with me. I will be making conversation with a customer while scanning their items and look up to see them watching Snapchats with little regard to what I’m saying. It truly is frustrating and I agree, technology appears to be replacing our interactions with others. Anyway, I look forward to reading your upcoming posts! I know all of our blogs are super rough drafts but I really like how your titles are in all caps, I think it makes it clean cut and draws attention. I think a splash of color would be a great addition along with pictures, which I’m sure you’ve already thought of!
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Hi Isabella,
I loved the honesty in this post. It’s so true and incredible. I have to admit I have done this many times. I use my phone all of the time when I should be trying to interact with people, I just have so much going on and I can use my phone to check emails, look at my homework, etc. I think that as a society we need to see this issue for what it is. However, I’m not sure what the solution might be. I think only individually can we resolve it, because the government and others can’t moderate it.
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For me, I believe that the sad truth about new media is that it has evolved so quickly – and is constantly evolving – that it forces people to continually be connected to it. People feel the need to constantly be aware of what is going on outside of what’s around them and miss what is right in front of them. I witness it all the time. Every where you go, you will see people looking down at their screens and not making any physical connections anymore. It’s possible that new media has facilitated the fear of physical social interaction because there is a protective barrier there that isn’t available in live interactions. Media is a great form of communication, but people need to learn how to disconnect and appreciate what’s around them and not worry about sharing what they’re doing at every moment. I definitely agree with you on this one – technology should enhance and not replace.
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