Jamison Guice, Campus Carrier Asst. Features Editor
Technology has become a part of everyday life. The ability to have a handheld object that can access data and can show you what your friends are doing in an instant is miraculous when compared to the last generation. However, being reprimanded by others for having a phone in my hand has become repetitive.
In today’s world, technology has become both interpersonal and intrapersonal and utilizing it does not hinder my personal or social growth.
Older generations tend to think of social media as a cancerous growth on today’s youth. However, this growth is not bad for our health and instead strengthens our bonds with our peers. With social media, I am able to see the latest updates on my friends lives that I would not be privy to if I only talked with them face-to-face. I can quickly see posts on whether my friends are upset, sick or having fun. No matter the topic, through access of my phone I am able to connect with my friends that I rarely can see because of conflicting college schedules.
Texting has been sensational since the mid-2000s and many prefer it to a phone call now. Through texting, I can immediately talk to a person in seconds. While an observer may not think I am talking to someone, a friend may be on the other side of the screen.
Connecting to friends through technology is easy, but technology is also personal. Phones are connected to personal information such as bank and email accounts. Throughout the day, the only time I get to check my phone notifications are the breaks I get in-between classes. If unchecked, I could potentially miss emails or texts from bosses, teachers or my parents. Even if waiting a few hours does not seem critical to others, it may to the person on the receiving end of the message.
In-between classes I love to listen to music. The fast five-minute walk to and from buildings should not be filled with conversation, in my opinion. Therefore, my immediate reaction is to put headphones in and start my playlist. The encouragement I have been given to enjoy the Berry scenery without technology is reminiscent of a past that is believed to be better than the present.
However, past generations have also been controlled by the new creations of their time. In the 70s, the first PC (personal computer) and video game console were released. The 80s marked the beginning of the CD and Walkman. By the 90s, pagers were released. Each decade, new tech has been created and has paved the way for the future.