Journal # 5, Turkle, S., Can You Hear Me Now?

Journal # 5, Turkle, S., Can You Hear Me Now?, (2007), presents several arguments or positions which from time to time have been the counter-arguments to most technological advancements. Although the terms used and the specifics are different the general themes of the "gripes" that the author recited are not uncommon to my memory. As an example, when the industrialization of the United States created large cities in this country the rabble-rousers decried the destruction of the family unit and lamented that the American way of life would wither and die. Obviously the opponents to change were somewhat correct but the betterment of our society cannot be seriously disputed. Such will be the case once society's uses of modern technologies level-out and all people have adjusted.

There are ways to limit the disruptions in ones life caused by the "ever-in-touch" devices cause concern. In our house we do not answer the phone, email or watch television when we are having our nightly dinner or Sunday family meals. Turning the PDAs off in the movie theatre is now mandatory. I for one will not hesitate to call someone out if the PDA is being used or disrupts the movie. Likewise in other situations it is up to the persons involved to set appropriate limits. The devices are not the cause of the problem it is the actions of the users which cause the problems. Although Turkle lamented the technologies in all areas of life I can see ways that technology allows us to enjoy life more and with better content.

Just like good parents these days limits television viewing for their children, we must develop workable limits for our own uses of PDAs, emails, and cellphones. Employers have become aware that periods of being disconnected to the office enhances an employees future performance. The flex-time employment opportunities created in the last few years have also led to more enjoyable lives for those utilizing this approach to time management. The problems presented by Turkle can be appropriately managed by time guidelines and attention to the problems identified by Turkle.

Question 1:What guidelines have you placed in your life to avoid some of the problems discussed by this article? No phones at meal times, on special date nights, and on vacation except in limited time periods agreed to prior to vacation. There are many ways to manage your time and the technology problems are only an addition to the formula which must be dealt with timely.

Question 2: Are the existence of online communities a sign of societal problems or are they just diversions vastly different from diversions previously existing in our society? Human history is replete with instances of human excesses. It maybe that some people's use of the online communities are excessive but we will never achieve perfection in human life. These communities are no different than our other diversions or vices.

Turkle, S. (2007). Can you hear me now? Retrieved June 5, 2009, from http://www.mit.edu/~sturkle/pdfsforstwebpage/ST_Can%20you%20hear%20me%20now.pdf