Thursday, April 30, 2009

Week 13 Post 3 - Social Effects

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

One concept from the reading that I found intriguing was the section on social effects and social challenges. The book mentioned how with every new technology there is a new set of social standards that needs to be learned. The example the book gave was cell phones. Now, it’s possible for us to be in a situation where we are fielding a very personal call in a very public place. For example, you’re in the grocery store buying food when your friend calls to tell you she broke up with her boyfriend. This is a situation we never would have needed to function in before.

1 comment:

  1. The section on social effects and social challenges was interesting. The times are changing because of technology. I really don’t think I understood how much technology has changed the way we communicate with each other. The example you give is a good one. It is a very personal matter that is being thrown out into a public. I also liked the term phone-shielding, where we pretend to be on the phone to avoid unwanted interactions. It makes me think of when someone is on a date and they prearranged to have a friend call just in case the date isn’t going well, it gives them a way out of a bad date. The social effects and challenges are setting up new standards.

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