The Impacts of the Pandemic on Technology

During the pandemic, we were taught about social distancing. We stood 6 apart, separated be large gaps between us and masks over our faces.

While these mandates have lifted in many regards, our masks still exist. Though it is much less common to run into someone with a mask on their face, we continue to

mask ourselves with our technology.

Texting, email, and posting allows us to delete, edit and retouch. We are able to create images of ourselves that are just- right. We have control over these modes of communication, versus having live conversations with one another.

When we communicate through technology we control how close someone can get to us.

We can control our community by making sure that they do not stray too far from us.

We can make sure that our communication is just-right for us, and we can maintain comfort.

The Goldilocks Effect: Not too close, not too far, but just right

"Technology appeals to us most where we are most vulnerable. We're lonely but we're afraid of intimacy. And so from social networks to sociable robots were designing technology that will give us the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship. We turn to technology to help us feel connected in ways we can comfortably control." - Sherry Turkle

I con concur with Turkle's ideas about peoples desire for connection and fear of loneliness. I agree that we are setting ourselves up for isolation, by constantly seeking connection while we are present with others. We do not have the, "capacity for solitude." 

I remember being an undergrad student at Salve Regina in 2012. I did not have an iPhone, which was odd at this time. All of my friends had an iPhone and could text one another all day long. They were on Facebook and Instagram constantly while we sat together at the dining hall. I was different. I had an iPod Touch and could check in on my Facebook page when I had Wifi. I could text within the bounds of my Verizon plan. I was not attached to my devices all day, because I had limits. I remember feeling frustrated that some of my friends were constantly on their phones. I had FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). I could never be as connected as they were. 

In 2013, my Sophomore year of college, I had broken my Blackberry and upgraded to an iPhone. I switched my data plan to Unlimited. And that's where the trouble began. I could now dedicated ALL of my spare time to scrolling. I downloaded Instagram, constantly checked Facebook and could Google any wondering at a moments notice: Restaurants near me...? Where is the nearest TJ Maxx....? What is... Where is.... When is....? My questions could always be answered, without consultation from anyone. 

During the Pandemic technology became even more of my lifeline. I was in the second trimester of my first pregnancy when the Pandemic hit. And I felt ripped off. I could not share in the joys of a baby shower, I could not have meet and greets with my baby. I was petrified of going near anyone. So in that way technology became my lifeline and connection to people. 

But these habits have not gone away, I still check my phone during any dull moment. I am often embarrassed when my Apple Watch reports to me my screen time and the cumulative HOURS that I spend on my phone each day. I am proud to say that my screen time was down 11% just last week, though I know it will climb back  up when I complete this course. 

I do not think that screentime is the enemy, but boundaries need to be established. Time limits should be considered, and in-person connection should be valued more than DMs, like, re-tweets, and follows.