Technology Addictions

Reading Barker’s fifth chapter (again), “A New World Disorder” really did not shock me like I expected. Actually, it was relatively reaffirming several beliefs that are already circulating about the net. Or maybe I’m just a computer nerd and I am used to the Fordism , regulation, surveillance, capitalist, globalization discussions about this subject. Personally, the internet is the biggest distraction in my life. Although I am able to find various information in seconds, I also waste hours finding YouTube videos to laugh at, write useless comments on Facebook and redundantly sift through hundreds of photos. Considerably, the topic of social class and the internet is the most appealing conversation. Ironically it is called the “world wide web” yet never do we enter a chat room and converse with someone from Somolia, Zimbabwe or Uzbekistan. Although the global market is shrinking (in the way that communication is easier and there is less of a gap), the internet is also making further distinctions between flourishing countries and third world countries. Another issue brought forth by the chapter was that the new technology was a form of repression. I agree with this statement because we are constantly editing our profiles, editing our pictures, editing our words. Also, with cell phones we have are usually glued to our hands. Many feel lost if they leave it at home. While several people say that technology makes us lazier (I agree since it is a distraction), it also gives us fewer excuses. We can’t say we were lost because we can use our navigation systems. We can’t explain that we couldn’t call our parents because there is always an available cell phone. Like ever other aspect in our lives, technology is good… in moderation.