Nancy Baym discusses the idea of two “worlds” in the first
chapter of Personal Connections. The
first is the real world in which we physically exist but there is also a
virtual world, essentially the home our digital-selves that exist on the
Internet and social media platforms. The virtual world is the result of widespread
access to the Internet and new forms of media. According to Baym, “people have
always responded to new media with confusion” (1). This was striking to me because
of the differences in generational reactions to developing forms of media.
Those who have grown up with modern technology know how to exist in the
fast-paced virtual world and are able to maintain an “Internet identity” of
sorts across many forms of social media. Because of this, younger people are
(correctly) stereotyped as always being on their phones or online. The older
generation that is less familiar with today’s technology has a tendency to
react negatively to both the developing virtual world and the younger
generation that uses it, mainly because of the confusion and skepticism about
new media that Baym mentions. However, I have also often heard that young
people are too addicted to their phones and as a result, become socially withdrawn.
I do not agree with this argument because young people are not just staring at
a blank screen for hours a day; they are typically spending time in the virtual
world, which relies entirely on communication and networking.
In the real world, however, the younger generation in
general does somewhat lack social skills. Baym mentions pretending to be on the
phone to avoid an awkward interaction, which I know that many of my peers, and
myself, can relate to. There seems to be a disconnect between those who exist
more presently in the real world and those who are more present in the virtual
world in terms of communication and socialization. In my opinion, I think the
virtual world should be used as an extension of the real world, something that
is already happening to some degree. For example, friendships are often made
through both mediums; meetings in the real world paired with texting and other
social media interactions make friendships develop more quickly and perhaps
more strongly. However, I do not believe that the virtual world should take
over to the point where social interactions are completely forgone.
I was also interested by Baym's comment on the confusing nature of evolving media, but I'd wished she'd gone into that a little more. Your thoughts really shed some new light on the idea for me. There are definitely stereotypes associated with people when it comes to their media literacy or tech savviness. While young people are commonly labeled as overly consumed by technology and lacking in basic social skills, older people are commonly labeled as tech-illiterate and disconnected to the modern world. That's become a huge part of how modern advances have impacted the way we interact with others on a personal level.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that while social media, when used in a certain way, can strengthen or supplement personal relationships. However, I also agree with you that it's important that we don't replace those personal relationships with digital ones.
I think the point your driving at is that it is important to consciously maintain a balance between ones connection with the "real" and "virtual" world. While I believe that the virtual world strongly hinders ones ability to appreciate the real world, I understand and accept the presence of the virtual one. With that in mind I strongly agree that a balance between the two should be maintained, ideally using the virtual world to further engage with the real world as a goal.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that they are not necessarily being socially withdrawn. Many social spheres have actually relocated to the virtual world, and using the internet, email, and other applications is becoming the “norm” way to connect. Though I also agree that this lack of face-to-face contact is what is causing a shortage of basic social skills in the real world.
ReplyDeleteI think that you are totally correct! The author says in the beginning that we often confuse what reality actually is and I think that is the bigger issue with our generation today. We are so caught up in the digital sphere that we do not see the falsity that lies within it. I think the best example of this would be the television show Catfish. All the people are so caught up in the digital world that they don't even think about the real world that they live in. They lack the skills to know that it is, in fact, all fake. I think the digital age really pushes the idea that you can "escape" from the real world into a better one through the internet, but people often get so caught up in it that they seem to forget that some of it is not real.
ReplyDeleteKylian, great post. It sounds like part of what you're talking about is the digital divide - the generational gap in perspectives and knowledge of digital communication. The second point I see you making is that learning balance is important. How do we as a community start to understand and practice
ReplyDeletethat balance?