James Peabody-Harrington
iExamen 1
Communication
in the Modern World
I learned several things about
social interaction during my reflections for the iExamen. While
practicing self-observation of my communicative skills I noticed how
people rarely make eye contact. As I observed communication through
social networking such as Facebook or Twitter, I realized how
difficult it is to use sarcasm over the internet. During my hour
without technology I felt disconnected from the social world yet
closer and more observant to my natural surroundings. The iExamen
exercise opened me up to a better understanding of human behavior and
the lack of communication in modern society.
Walking across campus, or
through the halls, or even while talking to a friend or acquaintance
I realized how rare direct eye contact is. I was walking over the
bridge on my way to Boulder and I noticed if I looked up at someone
then they would usually look away quickly. It was almost as if people
were afraid to look me in the eye. I was not glaring or making
strange faces at people but just looking them in the eye once I got
close and it would startle them and they would quickly glance at the
ground or off to the side. On Monday in my Calculus class some one
was called on to answer a question and they did not look up at the
professor or down at their paper but off to the side when the
answered the question while flashing their eyes on and off the
professor but acting as if they could not hold eye contact for more
then a second or two. Even while talking with my roommate later that
day, I noticed that we would not really look into each others eyes
when we were talking. It was strange and I tried to focus on the
person I was talking to when I spoke to them and it seemed to almost
make the conversation more personal. It was as if when we look at
each other we could talk on a more meaningful level because that
would be what the focus was on, each other. The iExamen has prompted
me to try and make eye contact more often while I speak with people
because it really makes for a more meaningful and fulfilling
interaction.
Social networking sites have a
huge impact on society in the current day and age, but it is still
difficult to communicate sarcasm. Facebook and Twitter are both major
ways of staying connected with old friends and distant relatives or
even just checking up with a friend down the street. However, what I
began to notice as I surfed the web on social media is how sarcasm
creates confusion online. Sense the tone of voice and facial
expression, two things very important in communication, can not be
displayed online there is often misunderstanding when sarcasm is
used. Confusion like this can create anger if a joke is taken
literally or it can make a serious situation out to be no big deal.
People need to be straight forward when communicating across text or
social media to prevent confusion.
Being unplugged from technology
for one hour created a sense of disconnection and discomfort, yet at
the same time it felt liberating to be free to observe natural
features overlooked by technology. I did not really know what to
expect coming into this exercise because I never thought of myself as
being very connected to my phone, computer, or other technologies.
However, I realized that I very much am. Since I have been at college
I have been doing a lot of talking and texting with my parents,
brother, sister, and friends from back home. During the hour I was
anxious to be able to check my phone to see if I received messages
from any of those people. I wanted to flick on the television and
watch the football game Sunday or get on my laptop and check Twitter
or throw in some headphones and listen to Blake Shelton. For the
first few minutes I felt really bored as if I was going to miss
something important. However, as I sat there on my bed I turned over
and opened up the window. I live on the 8th floor of
Campion and I was instantly surprised by the sound of the street
bellow and how loud and detailed the noise was. I could hear some
birds chirping and the wind whistling. I watched the cars go by and
some people walking or jogging on the sidewalk. I am almost
embarrassed to say it but I ended up people watching. I saw an older
man walking with a cane down the sidewalk. I noticed a few birds fly
by and off into the trees. Then as I felt the cool air blow in
through my window it smelled like fall and it reminded me of home in
Maine. The sounds and smells took me back home to the woods and I
could picture the foliage on the trees and the crisp air in my head.
The nature connected me to back home just like technology connected
me to my family and friends back home. After I got past the original
discomfort the hour without technology was very fulfilling and
meaningful and I think I might actually try to make it a regular
thing.
The iExamen opened my eyes to
several behaviors of communication in modern society. The lack of eye
contact between people is startling because eye contact creates such
meaningful interactions. The use of sarcasm over social media is
often misconstrued and confusing. The removal of technology and
acceptance of nature can create emotions that I thought only
technology would bring. I am going to use what I learned in the
iExamen to better communicate with those around me and across social
media.
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