Electronics in our World

It seems nowadays, that separation from the world is impossible. This is obviously due to the involvement of technology in our lives. Almost every one of us has some sort of electronic device that can communicate to others not directly around us, whether it be a cell phone, laptop, or even the navigation system in your car. These devices all interfere with our lives whether it is beneficial or the opposite. When we text a friend, would there face to face presence be preferred or would you rather have that twenty minute conversation with your cell phone, where gestures and facial expressions don't exist?

Other devices such as gaming consoles also have a major impact on our social lives. Instead of actually doing things like playing football or soccer, you invite friends over so you sit around a TV and play these games in a virtual world. Is this preferred or would the actual experience of going outside be the better choice? Sure there are some skills that are needed to play this virtual game such as hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes, but clearly, this cannot take the place of actual physical interaction with friends. But sadly this is what our society is becoming victim too, the loss of interaction with people and none of us are spared.

This problem is mentioned in “Culture Jam” where the idea of never being able to escape technology and the media is clear. Though it might not be as extreme as what is described in the novel, we are certainly seeing effects of technology spread throughout our society. This technology is what Kalle Lasn calls “noise”. We all experience this “noise” because most of us have never lived a day without our iPod, TV, computer or cell phone.