Back in the old days the most popular form of communication was verbal. Imagine actually talking, in person, to someone, anyone: a friend or even a complete stranger. Of course in today's world that is rare.
Today we have a stronger relationship with our cell phones than we do with an actual human being. We are addicted to our sleek, flashy, vibrating phones. Each defines who we are by the personalized ring tones, the voice commands, and the photo avatars. They are the first thing we check in the morning and the last thing we check at night.
Before cell phones, we had to interact with the people right in front of us. If we couldn't then we would call and talk over the phone; now, that is gone too. We hardly talk on the phone. Texting has become such an addiction. I remember when I first got a cell phone and texting was just starting out. When I tried to text I just tapped my way through the letters until I finally got the letter I wanted.
Soon texting became popular and predicted text was the way to go. At the time I tried it and hated it. It was so confusing and I just could not get the hang of it. Now that is all I use when texting. I don't know how I ever lived without predicted text.
Texting has changed how we communicate and how we respond to other. Instead of using proper English and full sentences like we were taught to do back in grammar school, we use short phrases and sentences. "Have you seen my BF?" "Ur not here." "WTF is that?" "JK, LOL."
Rather than calling to talk to the person, we take the easy way out and text. Even in the car when it would be easier/safer to call, we text. Fights are battled out between fingers and buttons.
What we implied might not be interpreted the way we intended it to.
I can see if you are at work and can't answer or are in a situation like that, but nine times out of 10 that is not the case. I call you because I want to talk to you. I want to hear your voice. I want to engage in a conversation with you. If you call me and I don't answer but text you it's because I cant answer because I am at work or in a situation like that.
Between cell phones, texting, and all our other electronic devices we have become lost in this world. In a way we have evolved. We can communicate to anyone at anytime but in another way we don't know how to communicate to those around us.
We don't know how to talk to the person that passes us by in the halls or on the streets.
Unless of course you are in the Silicon Valley, where companies like Dogster, are making their employees go "topless." That's right, ABC News reported last week that companies are starting to change the way their employees come to meetings.
At Dogster employees are now required to attend meetings "topless." I bet some of you wish your boss would require that. Of course it depends on who you work with. You might not want to see some of your co-workers going "topless." Well before you think about asking your boss to change the dress code and get slapped with a sexual harassment law suit let me explain. Going "topless" in the Silicon Valley and in some other places such as classrooms at USC Law School is not quite what you are thinking.
Going "topless" does not mean re-enacting your crazy spring break fantasies. It does not mean seeing the girls from "Girls Gone Wild" in your office or classroom, dancing on the tables and flashing the camera.
What going "topless" means here is that these companies and some classrooms are starting a new trend. They are having their employees and students attend meetings and classrooms without any electronics.
Yes, that's right. No cell phones, no PDA's, no laptops, nothing but pen, paper, and human beings.
Picture this, you are sitting in your office or classroom and actually having to engage with others in the room or think about what is being discussed. I get the chills just thinking about it.
The benefit of going "topless" as discussed in the report is that productivity went up. People actually engaged with others and were literally there, in the room. The side effects/drawbacks are that people went through withdrawals. Withdrawals seemed to last about a week or two.
Yes, teachers it is dream come true, you and companies may actually boost sales and creativity. I think it's great. This new trend may bring us back or at least balance out our impersonal ways that we have created. Maybe, just maybe, we can start communicating with others. Maybe, we will feel better about ourselves and be more confident with who we are.
Oh, maybe we will find that balance between being on and knowing when to turn off. One could only hope, right? In the mean time you might want to practice going "topless." That way it won't be such a shock.
College, a place where we can learn and mature. It is a place that allows us to form small social groups. A place that, Monday through Thursday we dedicate ourselves to classes, homework, and cramming for tests, oh yeah and work. The week takes its toll on us.
At the end of the week Friday is the one day we look forward to. It's the start of our weekend. We call our friends, check our Facebook and Myspace, hoping someone is having a party. It's the weekend.
The "social rule" of thumb in college is party, party, party. Every weekend should be filled with kegs, hard alcohol and getting drunk, right? So drunk in fact that by 1 a.m. we are throwing up in a strange bathroom, if we're lucky, or we are passed out having who knows what done to us.
After the weekend of sin is over all we have left are the photos. Yes, those embarrassing photos that are plastered all over Facebook and Myspace for all to see. Monday morning rolls around and we see these and laugh them off. "Wow, I don't remember that. Who is that? Where were we?"
Is this really what we want to do to ourselves? We are in college and it is time to start growing up. I am not saying we shouldn't drink or cut loose once and awhile. I drink on occasions. In fact, a few weeks ago I was in San Francisco with some friends and I decided to party at the hotel we were staying at. We walked down to the liquor store around the corner. It had a limited supply of alcohol. It also had an overwhelming stench; I had to cover my nose. I don't think I have ever smelt something that bad. The closest scent I can compare it to is that of a porta potty. Even then some porta potties would have smelt better than this.
With one minute to go before nine, we ran out and jogged to Bevmo. If you didn't know, Bevmo closes on the weekends by nine. I still don't understand why? One would think they would make more money given it's the weekend and all. Anyway, we went in and split up. I ran to the back to grab a 24 pack of Smirnoff Ice. The others grabbed some hard alcohol and soda to chase it.
Yes, I know what you are thinking and I am getting to that, give me a minute. Back at the hotel I was asked "why are you drinking that?" Uh, because it taste good and doesn't make me feel like crap the next day. Everyone was like "okay."
What is wrong with a guy wanting to drink some Smirnoff Ice? I know what I like and what I don't. Yeah I am picky when it comes to alcohol. I'm man enough to say it. But why do some call these girly drinks? Why should I be labeled as a "pussy"?
I don't like getting drunk, not being in control, and feeling horrible the next day. I have been there, done that. If I choose to drink I am going to make sure it's worth it. Why is it socially accepted that men are suppose to stick to beer and hard alcohol and women are suppose to stick to the mixed drinks?
Why should I be forced to drink something that, beer drinkers cover your eyes, taste terrible? Sorry beer lovers but I hate beer. To me beer tastes and smells awful. Why should I spend my hard earned money on a drink that I don't like? At least my Smirnoff Ice is cheap, tastes like 7-UP, and can give me a buzz if I need it to.
Don't be jealous because I am breaking the "social rule." Join me and break free. Drink what you want and be proud of it. Rise up and be a leader. Do what you want just don't hassle those of us who decide to drink something worth drinking or those who take the higher road and choose not to drink at all.
In today’s world almost everyone is “on.” If this is a foreign term let me explain what it means. Always “on” means we are constantly connected, either through our cell phones or the Internet. Looking back ten years ago it would not be as common to find someone who had a cell phone or computer let alone Internet. Today however, it is rare to find someone who doesn’t have one or the other, especially those of us in college. Given the background let me share one of my biggest pet peeves, not returning a phone call or e-mail. It is one of the most frustrating, irritating, and annoying things I can think of. It is common courtesy that if someone calls or e-mail’s you, you will get back to them. I know you received my message because lets face it; almost everyone is constantly on the phone and checking voice mails. Same goes for e-mail’s; I don’t know anyone who doesn’t check their e-mail throughout the day. Yeah, I’m sure you’re busy and very important, who isn’t these days! All I can ask is to be acknowledged for the act that I have tried to get in touch with you. Is it really that hard to just take a minute to let me know what is going on? Yes, some like myself like to disconnect every once in awhile. We travel places; we don’t get reception/ Internet connection, that’s fine. However I am talking about the individuals right here at home. Those that I know are here in town and have access to a phone or computer. The one’s who are just “too tired” to let me know what is going on. I love the excuses I get when I confront others about this issue. You know the ones I am talking about. “Oh I didn’t have my phone!” All weekend? Or “my phone has been acting up!” Why not fix it; it’s obviously a problem. “You called?” Yeah I did, and left messages. Oh how about this one, “I lost my phone!” Well you found it, so why not get back to me and let me know that. Even a text message will do. Now what about e-mail? It seems to me that e-mail has become as much of an addiction as the latest craze, “Crackberry.” Like “Crackberry,” there is always a device, in this case a computer, tempting us to touch it. Go ahead, push a couple keys in, and see how it feels to have those smooth letters rubbing up against the bottom of your fingers. Look at the screen! That large, wide, 20-inch, crisp, colored, flat screen. For the most part we are on the computer checking our e-mail, MySpace, FaceBook, and YouTube. Sorry teachers and faculty, its not for assignments, research or homework. These days it’s all about staying connected and constantly checking in to see who has contacted us. So why is it that some still come up with excuses on why they didn’t get back to an e-mail? Did you lose your computer? Was it acting up again? Was the reception low? It really isn’t that hard to respond people. Check your e-mail, reply within a timely manner, within the next 24 or 48 hours, unless it’s a timely issue. Don’t make up an excuse for not getting back to someone. There are no excuses for not calling or e-mailing someone back. Unless you forgot then just simply say, “I forgot.” If someone has taken the time to send you information, ask you a question, or simply just say hello, please show the same courtesy and do the same. Just letting it go and never responding is irresponsible, unacceptable and will not get you far in this world.Still Waiting for Your Call
By: Ed Troxell
Posted: 3/11/08
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