First it was the Age of Information, now it is the Age of
Communication. Never before in the history of man has there been a time when communication
has been so easy and instant. Micro technology has made it possible for the
mass-production of miniature gadgets designed expressly for the purpose of
exchanging information. Modern mobile phones have transformed the process
beyond imagination. You can’t walk down a street without seeing someone engaged
in texting or speaking on their phone. According to the Kaiser Family
Foundation, on average children are spending over 7 hours a day online, and
some as much as 10 hours using multiple devices!
Where does this actually get them? How does it enrich their
lives? Much of their conversation, whether by text, email or the spoken word goes
in one ear and out the other. A great deal of it is pointless.
My older grandchildren spend hours and hours chatting to one
another online by means of Facebook, Skype or other social networks. The
younger generation see this indulgence as essential. Without a mobile phone
connected to the Internet they are totally lost. Their lives are worthless –
not worth living. No longer can they chat to their friends. They are totally
lost. Should the unthinkable happen, and they cannot have access to their
addiction; for survival and sanity they might even ‘think’ of doing something
positive and helpful, such as washing dishes, doing homework, tidying their
bedroom or ironing their clothes. There is a forlorn hope that they might find
time for sleeping, eating properly and taking exercise.
What does the future hold for these slaves to communication?
They will be conned into thinking they exist in a virtual world, a world of
pleasure, abandon and eternal delights. Muscular atrophy, mental disorder and
early death will be the reality. Will they take note? Will they take action?
Nope!
Links
Is This the Age of Communication?
Effects of the Communication Age
In the communication age, connection is
everything
Effective Communication in the Information Age
The New Communications Age
Kaiser Family Foundation
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