I came across this article the other day after reading about the
social media usage of young adults from the Pew Research Center. It's from the online database
New Media Age, a site dedicated to media studies in the UK, and is titled "
Most young people use social networks while watching TV."The main finding from the study is as follows:
Of the 1,300 UK people surveyed, 80% said they use their mobiles while watching TV, while 72% comment specifically on programmes via social networks on their mobiles.
It's not surprising that many young people are simultaneously on their phones, usually texting, while watching TV. I'm sure many of my peers would agree that this is normal behavior for people our age and I myself am completely aware that I do this all the time. However, what I find especially interesting about this study is that young people are not just texting while watching TV, but also communicating with others via social networking devices such as Twitter and Facebook. They're updating friends and followers on a larger scale rather than texting or calling a few close friends. This study also shows the importance of social media as it becomes a central aspect of more kinds of traditional media, in this case television. Young people constantly feel the need to be connected and often choose to do so through mediated communication rather than face-to-face interactions.
After I read your post, I walked downstairs and saw three of my roommates on the couch, watching television, and typing on their phones. Being the nosy person I am, I looked at one of their phones and realized that the girl (who will remain nameless) was updating her Twitter about the show she was watching.
ReplyDeleteI think that this is such an interesting topic as we discuss new media. Not only are people using new media on a daily basis, but they are also using new media while doing other activities. Typically, when I'm watching television, I'm either doing something on my phone or on my computer. It's crazy that social networking websites and new media distract us from even the most entertaining activities.
I've recently vowed to not be on my phone so frequently when spending time with friends. It's a pet peeve of mine when someone is out and glued to their phones. Just another example of social media interrupting daily activities.
McKenna-
ReplyDeleteI actually just got back from a trip in Detroit where we couldn't use cell phones, email, or any sort of technology. It was basically a time to detach and free ourselves from the constant connectivity that we are all so used to. I completely agree with you in the sense that "young people constantly feel the need to be connected and often choose to do so through mediated communication rather than face-to-face interactions."
It was really refreshing to evade all the Twitter updates and Facebook feeds and even my cell phone. This day and age, young people live in a state where there are constantly waiting for connection and when I turned my phone on after 24 hours of not having it, despite the fact that I was inundated with e-mails and messages, it was really nice not having that urge to constantly check my phone to see what what going on.
Sydney--
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate. This past weekend, I misplaced my phone and experienced a minor panic attack. I remember feeling "naked" without it, almost as if my blackberry was a part of me that, once gone, was sorely missed. I'll admit, the overwhelming separation anxiety from my cell (and subsequently, communication with friends), almost led me to update my facebook with the status "Lost phone. Message me."
Looking back on this after reading this week's articles has really indicated the power digital communication and social networking has over our daily lives. From experience, I crave the "digital interruptions" mentioned in Turkle's "Alone Together" article. These interruptions have the ability to distract me at any point, any time of the day. Out of cell phone etiquette, I simply have to read and reply to every text. Sydney, you are definitely correct in stating "young people live in a state where they are constantly waiting for connection." I couldn't imagine going a day without checking my email, facebook notifications, or texts on my phone. And I'm sure many people would agree. Perhaps it is one of our greatest vices as a technologically-inclined generation. But one thing is for sure: our desire for constant communication will continuously fuel the machine that is social media.