This article was inspired by an episode of Black Mirror on Netflix as well as the
social media classes that I recently completed. Social Media started for many
millennials with Myspace then it progressed to Facebook and everything in
between. In this particular episode entitled Nosedive, everyone lives in a highly advanced technological future.
In some ways their kind of like robots. They all carry an iPhone like device
where they can rank people, that they pass on the street on an Instagram like
app. It also seems as though they have “special DNA” where they can discretely
look at someone’s social media page without looking at their phone and the page
will be displayed through their vision. That’s probably a terrible explanation
but you’ll have to watch the episode to know what I’m talking about.
The people that have high ratings all wear pastel colored clothes.
They’re also obsessed with getting a high ranking and staying there. Having a
high score means that you’re a privilege member of society and that your part
of the “in crowd.” Getting a low ranking can get you fired from your job and
looked at as a lower-class citizen. As the episode progresses Lacie gets
invited to her childhood best friend’s wedding. The only problem is she hit a
few road bumps getting there. First her flight is canceled, and her rental car
breaks down among other events as they progress throughout the episode.
Watching this episode will make you realize how invested many of us
are in technology. Specifically, social media and smart phones. While sometimes these things can be beneficial
in the sense that we can grow our companies, reconnect with long lost friends
and family members. There is also the dark side where it becomes a tool that we
use to harass others and basically let people see a side of ourselves that we
probably wouldn’t let them see face to face. I am also guilty of spending too
much time looking at Facebook, Instagram and the occasional Twitter when I’m
live tweeting during a TV show.
There is nothing wrong in engaging with your peers online the
problem is when it’s all that you do and not enjoying the company around you.
So, take a break for a few hours and enjoy time with your family and friends.
Instagram will be there later.
No comments:
Post a Comment