Unit 1: Febuary 9th. 3 Critical Summaries

Unit 1 Critical Summary #1

Flashpoint: “We live in a technological universe in which we are always communicating. And yet we have sacrificed conversation for mere connection” – Turkle quote

In April 2012, Sherry Turkle, a well-known psychologist and professor at MIT, overviewed the social effects of modern technology in her New York Times article “The Flight From Conversation”. She explains that technologies such as smart phones have alienated human beings from one another, and inadvertently diminished their ability to hold conversations. How face-to-face dialogues have become something of the past as people text or email one another rather than speak to them directly. She justifies the need for physical conversations by addressing its ability connect people on a more complex level. When one is conversing with someone they get a more in depth look into that person in comparison to texting. She explains how the slow nature of human interaction is being replaced with fast paced texts. Making it harder to read individuals thoughts and moods. Conversation is an essential way of people recognizing others identity, and with the growth of the technological age people where people are communicating via text and email, it has made it harder for other individuals to really understand who they are talking with.

Additionally, Turkle argues that, even though people have become more “connected” through their various social media outlets, they are actually turning inwards and becoming more solitary. For example, one may have 500 friends on Facebook but do they really know all 500 of them. Turkle shines light on the idea that by having a social media accounts, with numerous friends, one is actually more alone. This is because they just post what they want other people to see on their social media, giving a fake impression of who they are. They do not have the ability to self reflect on their own identity. So the do not have a full understanding of who they are. They just attempt to keep up the illusion that other see on their social media.

Turkle ends her article by comparing two experiences while she was spending time at Cape Cod. She states that earlier on in her life people would walk the beach and stare out into the ocean or look at the dunes. More recently she has observed individuals walking the beach with their faces glued to smart phones. This comparison really brings out the point at which she is drilling into the readers the entire article. That if people would just lift their heads and pay attention to what’s in front of them, rather than the technology in their hands, one could see, or meet, or just genuinely experience something that could change their life.

Turkle, Sherry. "The Flight From Conversation." The New York Times. The New York Times, 21 Apr. 2012. Web. 20 Jan. 2016.

Unit 1 Critical Summary # 2 

Flashpoint: “social influences, accelerated by the recent explosion of technology, may be shaping our self-identities in ways in which most of us aren't the least bit aware” – Taylor quote

            In his article “ Technology: Is Technology Stealing Our (Self) Identities?” Jim Taylor, a professor at the University of San Francisco, whom specializes in the psychology of business, sport, and parenting, outlines his philosophy on the effects of modern technology on ones self identity. He begins by explaining what ones self-identity really is. How it is a combination of self awareness and evaluation of ones own thoughts and feelings, as well as external feedback from the outside world. Both of theses aspects shape and mold our identities, making us who we are. As we grow up we learn more and more about ourselves and how we feel, think and act. Additionally, we are also influenced by how our friends and family behave. For example, if a child grows up in a household where the parents swear often, it is more likely that he will swear at school. All of these social aspects make up or self-identity and will define us for the rest of our life.

            However, Taylor explains, that the external feedback that one would normally receive from their parents or peers has been changed due to technology, in particular social media. It used to be that our identities were shaped by our interactions with friends, teachers, coaches etc. Now it has shifted and external forces influence our identity in two new ways. Firstly, popular culture has changed from a mirror to reflect on one identify to a portrait of what society wants you identity to be. This can especially through social media where teens are able to see what is trending, altering there perspective on what to wear, eat, or how to act. Taylor explains how the self-identity that is shaped by technology and modern culture serves its own best interests rather than what is best for us.

            Secondly, social media has changed how people perceive themselves, alter the question of “ How I feel about myself “ to “ How will others feel about me”. This abstracts the goal of fully understanding ones identity because one is more focused on building an external persona that will look good to others. Taylor explains how the goal for many now in their use of social media has become how they can gain acceptance, popularity, status, and, by extension, self-esteem through their profiles and postings.

            With the modern age and the advancements in technology, in particular social media, the idea of a self-identity has changed. People are more focused on the opinion of others than their own.  They would rather exchange social acceptance for self-enlightenment. This being said, next time you are searching Facebook and come across a person profile, just stop and think, “Does this person really know who they are?”

Taylor, Jim. "Technology: Is Technology Stealing Our (Self) Identities?" Psychology Today. N.p., 27 July 2011. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.

Unit 1 Critical Summary # 3

https://soundcloud.com/nathan-hines-491647306/unit-1-critical-summary-3

Solon, Olivia. "Hyperconnectivity Is Changing Our Sense of Identity (Wired UK)." Wired UK. N.p., 21 Jan. 2013. Web. 08 Feb. 2016.