CMC and Obsolete Technology – Making an Inference

Frankie Cruz

CAS 283

Blog 9/5

CMC and Obsolete Technology – Making an Inference

 

            One aspect I considered during the first couple of weeks of class is that perhaps CMC is the counter to obsolete technology – to an extent.  So new cell phones replace old cell phones, however, the technological advancement is simply an update, rather than a whole new piece of technology.  To elaborate, a cell phone is different from a beeper, but an old LG Envy touch and a new Samsung Galaxy S5 are essentially the same thing, except the newer S5 has more capabilities.  I believe that certain pieces of technology will never become obsolete simply because their uses and gratifications will keep them in human use. The strongest gratification a piece of technology can offer, in my opinion, is convenience.  Humans love when things are simplified or made easier to do, it’s a natural desire for ‘efficiency’. This is why I believe phones and cars themselves will never become obsolete, as a beeper or type writer may.   

            I would like to address my favorite aspect of the course to me so far which is the focus on computer mediated communication.  I’ve always had my ‘ethics’ when it comes to communication, and focused on doing what I thought was logical.  It’s exhilarating to see that what I deemed logical is also what we are being taught.  I don’t mean to sound full of myself by any means, just imagine thinking two plus two is four, and then going to class and learning that you were right (weak analogy).  I’ve even told friends and family about the ‘you’ language that would cause one to become defensive.  As an English major, I suppose I feel slightly guilty knowing that I enjoy my rhetoric and communications classes more than the literature courses I’m required to take.  Primarily because I can apply what I learn to everyday life.  One question I’ve been stuck on is which category of a user I would fall into, ritualized – someone who uses media often, and as a diversion, or an instrumental user – one who uses media for a specific purpose.  I’m not sure I could label myself as either or, for some days I’m an instrumental user and others I’m simply procrastinating.  Which brings me to my concluding claim about the internet.  I’d say the internet is probably the most convenient invention in the history of mankind, and I believe that because of this it will never become obsolete.  It may have updated versions, but the technology itself will forever be used thanks to its convenience.