"Always On" and my opinion...

In her final paragraph, Baron puts forth a lot of the suggested social concerns we should have about the impact of technology on our lives. Her last line states, "Such choices give us ultimate control over language in an online and mobile world." I completely agree with this statement and understand technology as a tool for life rather than a hindrance to living.

I never understood how much of a negative reputation technology had for some people until I read this book. For all these years I've felt in control of technology. I do admit to feeling naked when my cell phone isn't on my person or "dead to the world" if my battery has died but that is just because I value its use as a connection to others in my immediate world. Technology connects me to people. I feel that my networks have expanded and have maintained because of the advancements of technology. The phone only connects me, once I am connected I use good old fashioned human interaction skills to strengthen bonds and reaffirm relationships.

There was a sense of utter shock that the issue of talking to my parents so often in college could actually be called an "issue." Maybe in the old days coming home and telling stories brought people together but I feel keeping my family so update makes them even closer. They live with me, I have not left behind everything, and I am able to share what I want, when I want. There is still plenty to talk about once at home and there has never been a moment where we sat in awkward silence wishing I had held back the story of my first snow, or the phone call about the great paper I wrote, or my first football game. Being so far from home, I thank God for new technology because it aids my homesickness and allows me to stay informed when important things happen. I don't think anyone in my family misses the old days of waiting four months to talk and update ourselves on life. And I personally don't know that many people who send home regular updates regarding weekly happenings and accompanying photos via email.

Concerning facebook and its world domination, I understand that it forms meaningless connections with people (I'm not going to say friendships). I use it for entertainment, to pass time, and to stay in touch with people I don't see and probably won't be seeing for a very long time, if ever again. It has some function but is not primarily seen by the college majority as a serious friendship/dating place for all social interaction. It's really not that serious and it seems this book made it so much more serious than we take it, or at least how I take it.

We do control how much we want to be connected. Some people use Internet and cell phones because that's what they need and others don't because that's good for them as well. At the end of the day, we still interact with people as much as before and we use our technology to do so. We share YouTube videos, we compare cell phones, and we have a reason to ask for a number (so we can text them about meeting up sometime) and all this keeps us in control of technology. Who knows what the future has in store but I know that being connected isn't always a bad thing. Like she said, anything in life used in moderation is good for you. There are those who don't know how to control themselves that develop unhealthy lifestyles.