Connection and disconnection in media ecologies
In our personal lives, Internet has undoubtedly given us the platform to stay connected with friends and family, more than even. While digital platform has made us feel independent to grasp any kind of information anywhere and anytime, it is interesting to see how (unknowingly) our likings and disliking in day to day life, and our decision to access any specific piece of information is largely driven by algorithms. (Dijck 2013, pp. 155)
It is also true that, the society is becoming conscious about the over usage of digital devices which has given rise to two movements –‘post privacy’ and ‘disconnectionist’. Anyone who is of the perception that the digital connectivity has resulted into ‘death of privacy’ belong to the first movement, while the ones who are consciously disconnecting and un-plugging their devices belong to the second movement (Genner 2016, pp. 165)
(cited in lareviewofbooks.org) Recently on August 8, James Williams, ex-google employee, addressed about the culture effects of ubiquitous digital technology and social media during a conference. “He affirms that, after nearly 10 years, the results are in: social media is highly addictive, and with so many billions logging in to get their next hit, the world could be on the verge of disaster,” as stated in the report. There is nothing new about Williams notion on internet and social media, but it is interesting to see that the statement is coming from someone who has worked for google.
At the same time, the positive effects of digital connectivity are experienced in work lives of people. A psychology research conducted on working professionals in South Africa has concluded that the negative effect of digital connectivity has outshined the negative experience (cited in psychologicalscience.org).
The positive effects were the productivity, efficiency, and availability to their employers, their clients, and their family members. “Many reported saving time by eliminating the need for travel to meet with clients,” as per the report.
Reference:
Dijck, J, 2013, The Culture of Connectivity: A Critical History of Social Media, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Tanner, G 2018, ‘Digital Detox: Big Tech’s Phony Crisis of Conscience’, https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/digital-detox-big-techs-phony-crisis-of-conscience/#!
Genner, S 2016, ‘On|Off: Risk and Rewards of Anytime-Anywhere internet’, PhD thesis by the faculty of Arts and Social Sciences University of Zurich, pp. 1–210
Anonymous 2016, ‘The Psychological Pros and Cons of Connectivity’,https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/observer/obsonline/the-psychological-pros-and-cons-of-connectivity.html