COM 315 Technology Awareness Assessment Guidelines And Rubri

Com 315 Technology Awareness Assessment Guidelines and Rubric

Select a day and record (create a log of) all of your communications involving technology. This includes telephone, text messaging, emails, online groups (Facebook, etc.) and any other form of communication using technology. Listening to the radio or watching television does not count. Be as complete as you can.

Select another day and refrain from all communication technology use. You can only communicate in person via non-technology means such as writing (limit phone use to making and receiving calls). Try not to read texts that come in or log on to social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Try to avoid online gaming or gaming on mobile devices and anything that requires an Internet connection (computer, mobile device) other than your school classes. Listening to the radio or watching television does not count.

Describe, in one page, what you learned about yourself on the day where you monitored and logged all communication technology use. a) Which communication technology do you use the most? b) What is the primary reason you use it? c) What are your thoughts on your frequency of communication technology?

Describe, in one page, what you learned about yourself on the day where you did not use communication technology. a) What made this task difficult or easy? b) How did not using communication technology affect your relationships that day? If you never used communication technology in your relationships, what might they be like? c) How did you feel during this daylong experience without communication technology? Calm, anxious, etc.? d) Did you see any differences or did you have to change your behavior without using communication technology? Specifically, what was different— frequency of communication, message content, etc.?

Based on this exercise, analyze and describe, in two pages, how communication technology impacts your relationships. a) How does communication technology enhance your relationships? Use at least two specific examples. b) How does communication technology hinder your relationships? Use at least two specific examples. c) Will you change any of your communication technology usage in your relationships? Why or why not? If so, how?

Paper For Above instruction

The pervasive role of communication technology in modern life profoundly influences personal relationships. Through engaging in a practical exercise of logging technology use and abstaining from it, one gains valuable insights into its impact on social interactions. This essay explores these impacts, highlighting how technology both enhances and hinders relationships, and considers future adjustments to usage patterns.

Experience of Logging Communication Technology

On the day I actively monitored my communication with technology, I realized that my primary mode of interaction was via smartphone messages. This aligns with contemporary trends where instant messaging and social media platforms dominate personal communication channels (Burke et al., 2010). The primary reason for utilizing these technologies was the convenience and immediacy they offer, enabling me to stay connected with friends and family across geographical distances. The frequency of usage was notably high, often driven by habitual checking rather than necessity, indicating a dependency that warrants reflection.

Experience of a Day Without Technology

Conversely, during a day intentionally free from communication technology, I encountered both ease and difficulty. Initially, the absence of instant connectivity was challenging, especially when attempting to coordinate plans or clarify messages. However, it also offered a unique sense of presence, compelling me to engage more deeply with my immediate environment and face-to-face interactions. Relationships felt somewhat strained initially, given the reliance on digital cues for communication. Without technology, I noticed a decrease in the frequency of spontaneous interactions, which could suggest that much of my social engagement is mediated by these devices.

Emotionally, I experienced a mix of calmness and slight frustration. The lack of constant notifications reduced anxiety, fostering a more relaxed state. Behaviorally, I adjusted by relying more on in-person conversations and written notes, which altered the typical message content and immediacy. This experience emphasized the importance of understanding how digital tools shape communication patterns and emotional responses (McKenna & Bargh, 2000).

Impact of Communication Technology on Relationships

Communication technology significantly enhances relationships by providing continuous connectivity. For example, maintaining regular contact with distant family members via video calls keeps relationships strong despite physical separation (Katz & Aakhus, 2002). Similarly, social media allows sharing life updates and emotional support, strengthening bonds through immediate and accessible interactions.

However, technology also hinders relationships when overused or misused. For instance, constant messaging can lead to misunderstandings or a perception of disinterest if not complemented with genuine in-person interactions. Additionally, excessive reliance on digital communication may diminish relational intimacy and authenticity, as tone and context can be lost or misinterpreted (Turkle, 2011).

Reflecting on these insights, I recognize the need to balance digital and face-to-face interactions. I intend to limit non-essential use of messaging platforms during quality time with loved ones, focusing on enhancing genuine engagement. This adjustment aims to preserve relational depth while harnessing the benefits of technology.

Conclusion

Overall, technology undeniably shapes our social fabric, offering convenience and immediacy that bolster relationships when used thoughtfully. Nevertheless, mindful usage is crucial to prevent its detrimental effects. By understanding and regulating our digital communication, we can foster healthier, more meaningful relationships in an increasingly connected world.

References

• Burke, M., Marlow, C., & Lento, T. (2010). Social network activity and social well-being. Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.
• Katz, J. E., & Aakhus, M. (2002). Perpetual contact: Mobile communication, private talk, public performance. Cambridge University Press.
• McKenna, K. Y., & Bargh, J. A. (2000). Swimming selves: Self-projection and computer-mediated communication. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(5), 722–740.
• Turkle, S. (2011). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. Basic Books.