Now, Now, Now!

We live in a culture of now. Our cell phones have become extensions of ourselves acting as our lifelines between friends and family, we rely on instant coffee to get us through the day, and obsessively check our e-mail ensuring that we are on top of our game.

As discussed in Digital Nation, a vacation no longer means you are out of contact with your life at home. Now, you are simply in an arguably more luxurious location with your laptop and Smartphone at your fingertips. You are still able, many times expected, to answer e-mails, calls, and perhaps attend a meeting via Skype. So, what is vacation now? The chance to answer e-mails on the slopes of Telluride or perhaps take a phone call on the beaches of St. Barts? The concept of turning off your phone or not answering e-mail for a week is unheard of. Our coworkers and friends expect us to respond immediately to texts, bbm’s, and e-mails. We are forced as well as encouraged to multitask efficiently.

After watching the clip if Digital Nation in class the issue of multitasking resonated with me. Now more than ever a strong emphasis has been placed on the ability to complete multiple tasks in timely manner. Job postings often cite the ability to efficiently multitask to be a “must have.” Regardless of studies that have proved that multitasking may not be the most effective means of business it still holds court in local and global business. Often linking the talent to the ‘new generation.’ We have grown up with the concept of instant gratification and immediacy. However, as technology advances have we lost personalized means of communication? During the film, one boy mentioned that it is a new social code has developed among our generation. It is now acceptable to text, email, etc while at dinner or hanging out amongst friends. Although I am not sure that I agree that it is a “social code” per say, it is prominent among younger generations. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve walked through the Pryzbyla Center and noticed groups of friends sitting around tables not talking, but texting. Perhaps, as technology changes the way we communicate with each other changes as well.