It seems that there is a reoccurring theme on technology. Many people have voiced their opinions that technology is moving in a direction which comes with a lot of negative repercussions. Others have stated that technology is moving in the right direction and allowing for more advancements in all fields. I agree with both sides, but I more so support the pro-technology view, that technology is moving in the right direction. We are living in days in which diseases are becoming more prevalent and common than ever. Technology in many ways have kept much of the population healthy, which breakthroughs in the medical industry and science. These are breakthroughs which otherwise may have never been developed. Aside from medical and science breakthroughs, technology has given the opportunity to anyone with a computer and an internet connection, the ability to obtain endless information. Search engines such as google, or microsoft’s Bing, provide millions with related information to their search. However, computers are not only gateways to endless knowledge, they have also allowed many to keep in constant contact with friends and family all around the world. For example, since living on campus, my family is no longer right down the hallway, but rather a three hour drive each way. Technology has allowed me video chat and talk to my family and friends without leaving my dorm room. Sure some could argue that technology is isolating many, and decreasing the need for person to person interactions, but I would argue that depends on the individuals personal preference. Sure technology can create isolation with each “cool” and “interesting” gadget produced, website created, video game designed, but it solely comes down to the individual in determining if they will use technology in moderation, or make it an obsession. The positives that technology have brought our society far out-way the negatives, which is why I am pro-technology for the future, because the advancements are endless.
When determining the groups final video, the Flow team had to decide which side of technology we supported. We could either express the views of those who have reason to be fearful with the directions technology has been moving in, or we could choose the optimistic approach in presenting technology. Ultimately, although our group believed technology was growing at such an astonishing pace, one in which society could not catch up to, we still strongly believed that the benefits out-way the potential negatives. The Flow team felt that It would be necessary to represent the class as the Origami Unicorn. In fact the video clips and concepts that our team intended on using would be placed side by side having a distinct closeness that would reflect juxtaposition. Articulation would be used to express any other key issues regarding technology. In showing how technology has drastically changed within the past decade, we would have to show the relationship between time and space, as expressed through classroom discussions, which would also have to be incorporated. Through the use of multiple scenes, we would create a message that viewers would take away with, one which would hopefully spark conversations. The amount of technology which we as students have become dependent on, was slowly drowning us, as many of the group mates made the argument that it was a controlled drowning. We followed the daily life that many college students lives; wake up, check your phone, check facebook, check twitter, log onto spark, and hoped to capture as many forms of technology as possible, without over exaggerating our point and losing the viewers attention. “If you can’t beat them, then join them?” was a distinct quote which we felt would further engage the audiences attention. The video would have its turning point, in which it would express the views of those who feel we should do away with technology, and that use should only be in moderation. Here we would incorporate videos and pictures of enjoyment withut the use of technology, and hopefully convince the audience that technology in our daily lives needs to limited, other wise it becomes a slow controlled drowning.
My encounter with Seth Gore was one that I will always remember. Before Seth Gore, I had never met a deaf person, and never fully understood the lifestyle of a deaf person. However Seth Gore, explained to the class that being deaf was in no ways a disadvantage to his lifestyle, that he in fact would ultimately choose to remain without the ability to hear for the remainder of his life, if he had the option. Now a days, more than ever, being deaf does not bring the difficulties of communication as it once did in the past. For example, with the amount of communication channels that are available to us today allow us remain in constant communication regardless of your ability to speak, hear, or even see. Seth further explained upon being asked, that he does use social media sites as a way to interact with those outside of the deaf community as well as with those within. The ability to send a text message is at far greater benefit to members of the deaf community since it allows those individuals to communicate to others who would otherwise require a translator. The use and dependence of a translator is diminishing as a result of social media sites, and hand-held devices. If I was in fact friends with Seth on either twitter or facebook, I would have the ability to have full length conversations, resembling a phone call, with a person who could never hear me. This is how technology is ultimately beneficial in creating a communication channel between those with disabilities and those who would require a translator. Technology makes life a whole lot easier.
