Talk Used To Be Cheap, Now You Pay Per Minute
It may be the central paradox of our times, the degree to which the technology of communication, meant to bring us all closer together, has put distance between us. Computer screens, text-messaging, cell phones allow us to relate to one another and yet remain faceless, which means expressionless. Body language, once an essential aspect of human interaction, arguably the most essential aspect, no longer enters into it. It's a dangerous thing, since when we're reduced to mere words we're left with the most fragile, unreliable, and easily misconstrued of all means of interacting. Now, text-messaging appears poised to erode even that, as words and syntax become skeletons of their former selves. "R U OK" is an unfeeling way to inquire about someone's well-being. Perhaps we're sliding back unwittingly into a pre-linguistic existence, back to the days of the troglodytes, when the only information we needed to seek or pass along was where's the best hunting and which plants are edible, and a bonk on the head was the most sophisticated way to express displeasure with someone.
posted by John M Crowther @ 7:38 AM
7 Comments:
John C, love this one. Reminds me of a young couple I know with two computers in the same room, if they are together in that room, they communicate with each other by email and by cell phone if they are in seperate rooms. Once asked them, if they were mad at each other, they looked stunned and with earnest expressions explained that it was much easier this way, in fact, they looked horrified at the thought of walking from one room to another to speak face to face. With puzzled looks on faces, their only question to me was "why would we do that? Quicker to call". They live in a small apt., by the way.
I love these cartoons where everything is said with the expressions and actions of the characters. Way to go, John.
My kids have for over 10 years insisted that I have a cell phone in case I have a flat tire or a problem when I am not home. Also AAA membership. I have never needed to use either of them.
For Christmas they gave me a "Bluetooth headset" to go with the cell phone that I don't use! I just carry it with me when I drive.
I would like to get back to simpler times. Katherine
Quote "Perhaps we're sliding back unwittingly into a pre-linguistic existence, back to the days of the troglodytes, when the only information we needed to seek or pass along was where's the best hunting and which plants are edible, and a bonk on the head was the most sophisticated way to express displeasure with someone" unquote
John...nothing much has changed since the troglodytes...people are still hunting, looking for weed and bonking to their hearts content! *wink*
On a positive note...without the advances in technological communication, chances are, we good friends may never have met!
:-)
I am constantly reminded of this when I am in the company of my son,a computer scientist and my grandchildren, Back in the late 60's i was a member of a focus group evaluating the pager cell phone system, My minority view was it will never sell. who wants to be in touch all the time? roger
Funny story, Lee.
I know the feeling, Katherine. I got a cell phone and AAA when I crossed the country. And I never use either.... fingers crossed.
I hadn't thought of that, Jean, but you're so right.
LOL, Roger. So I shouldn't come to you for investment advice? Oh well, I've got nothing to invest anyway.
Thanks everone for participating!
>>Perhaps we're sliding back unwittingly into a pre-linguistic existence, back to the days of the troglodytes, <<
My question is “did the troglodytes invent the emoticon”? If they didn’t, who then is responsible for @:{)=== sikh with turban and long beard?
hahaha...good one Prof!
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