Internet of Things

THE FUTURE... and beyond

           The very meaning of media and communications has been altered so drastically in the new century that it is becoming difficult to define each term. 

           We have developed the freedom and ability to produce, to adapt and to innovate technology but will that be enough to maintain our societies and their cultures. 

          The most pointed message that Eastlings (2011) portrays in her Internet of Things reading is that the “computer has escaped the box”. In many ways this is true, our virtual and physical worlds are becoming so closely linked that soon they may be inseparable. Tasks such as shopping, work, socialising and education can now only be undertaken by a virtual persona.

           In many ways I have major problems with the idea that technology is furthering our society in absolutely every aspect. While it has provided a backbone for many medical, scientific and technical breakthroughs, it has not necessarily added to the cultural progression of our lives. Although the irony of writing this on a laptop whilst listening to my iPod as FaceBook lies open on my screen does not go unnoticed.

           Language itself is decreasing to the point that societies today use fewer words then that of Shakespeare’s time (Mirvis, P. H., Sales, A. L. and Hackett, E. J. (2006)). Furthermore basic literacy skills are deteriorating, such as spelling, due to the reliance on computer based writing programs. (Mirvis, P. H., Sales, A. L. and Hackett, E. J. (2006))

           Through my own observations I have also seen a decrease in verbal communication skills, communicating through email is now an acceptable form of official communication. Even within this university, students are encouraged to email professors with their questions rather then come to see them in person. 

 
           Furthermore our physical identities are so closely linked to that of our virtual ones that distinguishing between the two is becoming impossible. While this may have its benefits I feel that the world was meant to be lived in not just virtually experienced.  

           I don’t know about anybody else but I feel that we need to be continuously weary of our reliance on technology. The decrease in language and control of our personal identities is all feeling a little too George Orwell’s 1984 to me. 

References

Keller Easterling (2011) ‘An Internet of Things’, e-flux journal, <http://www.e-flux.com/journal/an-internet-of-things/>

Mirvis, P. H., Sales, A. L. and Hackett, E. J. (2006), The implementation and adoption of new technology in organizations: The impact on work, people, and culture. Hum. Resour. Manage., 30: 113–139. doi: 10.1002/hrm.3930300107