Communicating Personally

Journal 2

SO to relate my position to Communication Technology, like I was supposed to. Actually there has been a huge impact of com tech on my way of life. I am learning that efficiency is not an enemy to people. I used to think that having everything organized to a tee or scheduling people in was almost dehumanizing them, fitting them into a slot. However I have realized if I am constructive and careful when using these technologies they can actually aid relationship, and organization can have a very positive effect on my life.

I have used Email more than I ever have. Whereas before I would simply check my email and not respond very often to the messages. Now I have realized that the sooner I can make a reply the less stress is applied to my life later when I would have had to make a decision last minute. Technology has aided my time-management. A Theory by George Simmel is that that with technology comes social distance. I would say that although this could be a possibility I have used technology to create relationship and connection. Through being instrumental in using my email along with texting and using my cell phone I have contacted people to get together for coffee dates, one on ones and organize group social events. I have tried to use technology as something that implements relationship. It has has helped me make face to face contact with many.

I would say that Sochay's third law that-

"There is an inverse relationship between new communication technologies and our ability to hear God's voice."

is something I fear may happen. Although I have used technology to aid my ability to build relationships... this could potentially hurt my relationship with God. That perhaps (indirectly) through Comtech, allowing me to get together with more people, I may minimize my time with God because of the business created. I think it is so very important to to be able to slow down and be still before the almighty, to have space in which he can be heard.

So I would have to say that the communication technologies that I use the most and find most helpful would be these: Cell phones, Internet, email, text messaging and instant messaging. Many times I would like to sit down and write a note, or a letter to a distant friend but then our of convenience I don't. I was an exchange student in Germany my sophomore year of high school and could only use letters or SNAIL MAIL as it is now called. And I really learned to value the time that it takes to do such a thing. The fact that they were touching the same paper that you are now reading, they wrote that in their personal handwriting. It meant a lot and continues to, however I get very small glimpses of that similar meaning. I am finding meaning in other ways.