Post #3

 Sherry Turkle concludes that technology is socially psychologically powerful.The way we currently utilize technology has altered the ways in which we perceive and connect with the world, and ultimately with ourselves. She goes on to state that in her research, she’s noticed new patterns in regards to in-person interactions and internal reflection. 

  • In-person conversations happen in real time and we are unable to revise what we want to say to others. 

  • We want to customize our lives and prioritize only the things we want to pay attention to. 

  • We desire in-person interactions, but also have a preference for the digital world. 


Turkle believes that in the future, tech will be developed to connect with us rather than assist us like Google or Siri. She states that this would be the “illusion of companionship without the demands” of a relationship, and in her opinion lessening our control. Today, people perceive being alone as a problem that needs to be solved. Constant connection is shaping a new way of being, sharing thoughts/feelings before we can process them and turning to tech to seek a particular thought/feeling.




In many ways, what Turkle stated resonated with me, particularly her call to embrace vulnerability. When I was a teenager, social media and texting became a major aspect of interacting with my peers and I began to feel that others seemed to be disinterested in real-life conversations or activities. Speaking to others reminded me of an obstacle course, where at each turn I had to maneuver to bring them back to the conversation or task at hand. Then I began wondering if it was me they were disinterested in. In 2022, it’s expected that others will pop between scrolling and conversations when in social settings and it’s rare to see an individual doing something alone without using their phone; however, the pattern of seeking connection and intimacy from others has persisted. Turkle indicates that technology and its use to replace in-person connection is harmful to us, but I believe that technology can also be used as a resource or a tool to help us connect with others. There are many instances where people of diverse ability statuses interact and engage with others in ways that only technology allows. 





Michael Wesch describes anti-teaching in a way that is very familiar to youth workers; I call it facilitation. He prioritizes learning, rather than teaching, and developing skills for critical thinking. He describes the magic that occurs when teachers move into the role of facilitator and lend support in a collaborative environment. In my work, I’ve often been in awe of what young people can do when they have the tools, support, and self-confidence to take ownership over their academic experience. In 1-3 months I’ve seen youth completely transform and come into their power simply because they feel that the program is relevant to them and they have a real stake in the organization.

 

I do not believe that Turkle and Wesch are on opposite sides of the technology conversation. I believe that they are ultimately saying similar things: We need to reshape the way that we connect with each other. Their modes of getting us to connect are a bit different, but I think that the concern is the same. Turkle's stance reminds me of a video I saw in 2017 about the impact of AI on the workforce in 2017. Although it was informative to understand the impact that technology is having on us, I do not believe that things have to be so black and white. Perhaps we can change the ways that we utilize technology to enhance the way we navigate through the world rather than impede on it.

Comments

  1. Lisa McDonaldJune 30, 2022 at 4:32 AM

    Hi Jenneya! I really enjoyed reading your post and thoughts about Turkle and Wesch. I also see them to be allies when it comes to technology and media. I agree that we need to reshape the way that we connect with each other (myself included as well). This is a goal of mine to bring into my classroom next fall. I want to find the balance of using technology/media that does not impede on having true and authentic classroom discussions. Remembering the importance of student voice and how conversations are a vital part in the learning process.

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  2. LesleyJune 30, 2022 at 6:41 AM

    Turkle always makes me think about the benefits and disadvantages of online teaching and learning (though she doesn't speak to that directly). This class, for example, that has pluses and deltas in the zoom space. (And per your notes about phone scrolling... I make it a hard practice to sit in public spaces without my phone sometimes just to make sure I don't forget how!!)

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  3. Saskia SchulteJune 30, 2022 at 3:09 PM

    We need to find that healthy balance between connections in person, the use of screen time and connections and the why and how of learning with the help of technical tools.

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    Replies
    1. Jenarita PlanteJuly 1, 2022 at 5:28 AM

      I agree with Saskia here! It is all about the balance. I actually saw Turkle and Wesch as a balance to one another. The strive for real conversation enhancing it with the ability to research and find information digitally.

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  4. Alyssa MasonJune 30, 2022 at 3:44 PM

    Jenneya, you are spot on about the new norm of bouncing between in-person conversations and scrolling on the phone. This is something I struggle with myself at times (especially if I am in big groups spaces). For context: I am someone who prefers 1:1 convos, so when I am in a space that is more than that, I tend to pull out my phone. I have never really thought about why this is my new habit but your post (coupled with Turkle's TED Talk) has me thinking it is a developed self-defense and/or coping mechanism--if I have nothing to add to the conversation/ if no one likes what I am saying or laughs at my joke, I can retreat to my phone for comfort. I also keep thinking about Turkle's point about how people retreat to their phones just waiting in line. I don't know about you, but if I am by myself I almost feel odd if I am NOT on my phone--it feels like a social expectation nowadays that that is just what you do while you wait.

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  5. AnonymousJune 30, 2022 at 5:44 PM

    Jenneya, I completely agree with your reflections on the change in desire for real conversations. I agree that technology and media could be a really great way to connect with others and create a community, but many times social media becomes and negative space. I wish there was more security or guidance on how to deal with this negative energy for our youth. I worry about the outlasting impacts it will have on the amazing children we have the joy of working with!

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  6. Court KingJune 30, 2022 at 7:54 PM

    Jenneya, I still feel that awkwardness in real life conversations and interactions. The space that I need to take when I am in person is not always available to me and I have to admit that I find that terrifying sometimes. One a good day I can go between conversations and online and offline interactions, but on a hard day? I can barely muster online interactions. I cannot imagine going back to only being able to see/talk/engage with people in real time.

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