In the first half of this article, McLuhan tells us that today's "television kid" is updated constantly with adult news such as rioting, war, taxes & inflation. This is so true. Any kid out there with access to a television could be up to date with current issues throughout the world in a matter of minutes. Nowadays, information is abundant. Obtaining information in today's society can take as little as 10 seconds. With current technology, answers to questions we never could have answered years ago, are available at the click of a mouse or even a remote.
Today, digital technology is forcing people to adapt or change. I am a business student and like most of my peers I know that when I get out of school, I will be looking for a job. In some cases, a job may require us to change or adapt. In today's society, digital technology has made it much easier for companies to make sure they are hiring the right candidate for the job. This is causing candidates, such as myself, to change or adapt to these standards that different companies may have. For instance, companies may be looking for someone who can do this job. However, we might be able to do that job as well as others. Therefore, we are forced to adapt or change our ways in order to better ourselves as candidates.
Another good point McLuhan made was "As soon as information is acquired, it is very rapidly replaced by still newer information." I could not agree more with this more. Today, information is changing constantly. The more you know the better off you are. This relates to the point I made earlier about changing or adapting. Keeping up with current information can allow you to be the best candidate.
I agree with Ryan that we must adapt with the times and the new devices with it. The world is much smaller now, communication wise, than it has ever been. A great deal of information swings in full force it seems every few minutes. I studied abroad in East Africa and stayed with the tribes. We had no electricity, so the use of technology was out of the question. I have to admit it was nice not to be confronted by constant updates but the lack of communication to the outside world was daunting at times. I think for myself, I try to keep a balance of social media and privacy to function well with this technological generation.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you noticed the "as soon as information is acquired, it is very rapidly replaced by still newer information" because that too resonated with me. I think people nowadays have an uncontrollable urge to be the first to know something, they are almost never satisfied with finding something out, they'll always want more and more. I think that this is extremely unhealthy and causes much unnecessary competition amongst people who otherwise wouldn't be competing with one another. I can personally attest to the fact this causes a lot of stress and anxiety, and I'm sure in some instances it has probably even led to suicide.
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