http://www.pamelarutledge.com/2009/02/13/new-communication-rules-bring-new-communication-careers/ Dr. Pamela Rutledge on the psychology of media and technology Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:27:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.pamelarutledge.com/2009/02/13/new-communication-rules-bring-new-communication-careers/comment-page-1/#comment-158 Pamela Rutledge Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:39:28 +0000 http://www.pamelarutledge.com/?p=360#comment-158 Hi Stuart, Thanks for the comment! I think there is a difference between deciding that you, personally, have no or limited use for some technology in your life and those less psychologically astute that you who assume that because they don't use it, like it or trust it that others shouldn't either. I think what we're seeing is that not only do different people use technology differently, based on age, social milieu, and goals, but that their total perception of the function and role in their lives is different. For some, a cell phone may not be primarily functioning or seen as a "cell phone," but as a portable dictionary, GPS, web access, Twitter and Facebook posting, and text messaging tool. People who are filling up their senses to alleviate isolation and aloneness can find many ways to avoid confronting that problem without technology, as you know. Are those behaviors problematic? They absolutely can be. I don't, however, see this as a new problem that has arisen with technology, but rather than it is one of the many ways in which people who are so challenged might choose to "self-medicate." On the other hand, social technology is also a way for the timid to practice connecting, model desired behaviors, or to solidify weak ties. Most Facebook connections function as a way of reconnecting with and strengthening real life friends. I am jealous that my kids can find their friends from elementary school. Most of mine aren't on those networks, but I sure would like to find out what my best friend in 7th grade is doing these days! Hi Stuart,
Thanks for the comment! I think there is a difference between deciding that you, personally, have no or limited use for some technology in your life and those less psychologically astute that you who assume that because they don’t use it, like it or trust it that others shouldn’t either. I think what we’re seeing is that not only do different people use technology differently, based on age, social milieu, and goals, but that their total perception of the function and role in their lives is different. For some, a cell phone may not be primarily functioning or seen as a “cell phone,” but as a portable dictionary, GPS, web access, Twitter and Facebook posting, and text messaging tool. People who are filling up their senses to alleviate isolation and aloneness can find many ways to avoid confronting that problem without technology, as you know. Are those behaviors problematic? They absolutely can be. I don’t, however, see this as a new problem that has arisen with technology, but rather than it is one of the many ways in which people who are so challenged might choose to “self-medicate.” On the other hand, social technology is also a way for the timid to practice connecting, model desired behaviors, or to solidify weak ties. Most Facebook connections function as a way of reconnecting with and strengthening real life friends. I am jealous that my kids can find their friends from elementary school. Most of mine aren’t on those networks, but I sure would like to find out what my best friend in 7th grade is doing these days!

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