CPMS100
Critical Reflection #2: Are we "Alone Together?"
Overall Idea:
- This essay assignment was assigned over a year ago on October 7th, 2019 and I chose it because I feel as if it is just as, if not more, important than it was back then. The overall idea of my essay focused on Sherry Turkle’s book, “Alone Together”, where it analyzes Turkle's assertions that members of our society are creating and becoming very much dependent on their digital lives. At the time, I was knowledgeable of my peers and my own excessive technology use but I didn't see it as a problem because I was still technically being social right? However, reading about terms like "multi-lifing" where I'm just as concerned about my online persona, and "growing up tethered" where I'm living my life always connected to the internet opened my eyes to the possible negative effects.
- Fast-forward six months later and there's a global pandemic that locked down most of the world and left us no choice but to rely on technology for social interaction. Classes were over zoom and technology/social media were really the only way of communicating with each other. Unfortunately, this has led to many people being so adapted to this lifestyle that it will become their norm years after this is all over, only perpetuating the "Alone Together" society we're in. However, being able to read about this exact scenario months in advance and the consequences of living only "tethered" allowed me to grow during and after the quarantine period
- During a period where screen time for millions skyrocketed, mine actually reduced. This media assignment and others made me take advantage of my resources and local friends that I usually would only text, I decided to go on social-distant jogs or picnics. Even now back at UMD with all online classes, going to the gym, work, diner, library, or anywhere taking the safe precautions helps me still maintain the same social interactions Covid-19 has made it hard to gain, that I normally didn't care just a couple years ago.