The Need for Speed

Figure 1. Loading

In my previous post, I discussed the need for instantaneous gratification due to technological advancements and social media.  This also means that technology has influenced social culture by creating the demand to have everything faster.  Consumers want communication professionals to work faster to produce news and information just as much as they want companies to ship products or meet demands quicker as well.  “The unmistakable message people receive both the workplace and marketplace is that faster is better.  Indeed, companies are counting on people’s impatience to sell their services.” (Alsop, 2014)  Companies, in order to keep with this need for speed, are charging more and more for quicker services.  For example, Amazon now has Amazon Prime.  For around $80 a year, you can have 2 day shipping and various other perks for the membership.  ISPs (Internet Service Providers) charge higher fees for quicker Internet speeds.  While it seems crazy to really think about, at the end of the day consumers are willing to pay if that means their video feeds will load in 1.4 seconds instead of 20 seconds.  “The need for round-the-clock connection not only makes people more impatient, it also robs them of time for quiet reflection or deeper, more critical thinking.  They tend to want constant stimulation…and get distracted more easily.” (Alsop, 2014) 

Figure 2. Multitasking

If we really take a look at how technology has influenced society, we will realize that we are in fact, multitasking more often and we have less down time.  Perhaps it is a case of FOMO (fear of missing out), that forces society to rely on technology at a higher rate.  Of course, multitasking was occurring long before the Internet, but the ability to have any information you want when and how you want it often puts multitasking in overdrive. We are on our phones during dinner, taking pictures of our food at restaurants, and on social media platforms while out with friends.  When was the last time you genuinely spent some time away from it all? Turning to technology to get that kind of stimulation or communicate, especially with Millennials, is going to continue to occur.  Communication is changing.   “…We can see so clearly that society is not going to stop moving away from this idea of using technology as our primary communication methods.” (Zorzini, 2013) My next post will further discuss the idea of technology influencing society to rely more heavily on communication through technology.

References:

Alsop, R. (17, July 20104). Instant Gratification & Its Dark Side || Summer 2014 || Bucknell Magazine. Retrieved January 27, 2016, from http://www.bucknell.edu/communications/bucknell-magazine/instant-gratification-and-its-dark-side.html

Zorzini, C. (2013, August 26). Technology's impact on society in today's generations • Inspired Magazine. Retrieved January 27, 2016, from http://inspiredm.com/technologys-impact-on-society-in-todays-generations/ 

Images:

Loading. [Jpeg] Retrieved on January 27, 2016, from http://img01.ibnlive.in/ibnlive/uploads/2014/04/slow-internet-250415.jpg

Multitasking. [Jpeg]. Retrieved on January 27, 2016, from http://media.tumblr.com/7746662e4a0f1e2987eeb01c92dcd721/tumblr_inline_mpn3mtPFAN1qz4rgp.jpg

Video:

TIYO, (2011, October 6). Social Media- The Evolution of communication technology. [Video file]. Retrieved on January 27, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsFKImk3bKA