Where does our sense of self lie? BR #10

Technology is a powerful tool. With the right codes and the the right knowledge, one has the ability to reach millions of people regardless of their physical location. This power however, has its limitations. Social media seems to be somewhat of a trap. Everyone on Facebook, everyone on Twitter and everyone on any form of digital media has an ability. They have the ability to learn and to inspire, but who really does this? Social media has caught us in the trap of comfortable living. It’s easy to scroll through Facebook and feel a sense of belonging in an online community. It’s easy to like a post of a small African child starving and hope that your pitiful excuse for action can make any sort of change in this world. My point being that the use of digital media has become so normalized into our lives that none questions this attachment that we have all formed with an inanimate object. I challenge that we question this. Question the reason we jump onto Facebook to alleviate our apparent boredom. Question the time wasted reading meaningless phrases 140 characters or less. To what point is there to constantly updating people on you meals and how you’re now on a #veganclense?

Unfortunately this development in our communication styles seems to have formed such a strong bond within our lives, resistance appears futile. How then do we collectively use this precarious forum to actually make a difference. Is it even possible to make a difference? The action in itself of recognizing our attachment to this medium is a very necessary step. Acknowledging that we are so incredibly able to utilize our devices reminds us that we should.

Many organizations use ICTs in a way that is beneficial, the overall success dependant on the inclusion of external action. When thinking about the war in Ukraine right now, without social media the awareness would be dismal. So through the creation of awareness, the agenda of the masses become the agenda of the governing power. Had there not been an awareness our governments are less likely to take any sort of corrective action. 

Even with all of this possibility for awareness, those organizations or movements with the greatest knowledge of digital platforms are often most successful. This may in turn silence groups that may have a greater need for aid. The final presentations for this class alerted me to a plethora of causes and ethical dilemmas I had previously never been aware of. Which raises another concern, with the technology available, are we all bound by the law of due diligence?

I myself am questioning why I rely so heavily on the use of these ICTs. How can I justify being exposed to so many injustices without taking any corrective action. I consider myself a good person, but how can a good person allow such terrible things to occur worldwide without helping? My generation is so tightly wound around technologies finger that I fear we would lose our sense of self without it.