Question

27.14 The Dark Side: Hooked on Social participating in cloud Media? (L.O.5) data are stored in re Social Media them with your lapto Companies are lurec hours without ise of greater efficie Could you give up your electronic toys for 24 hours without of Pennsylvania na withdrawal symptoms? Would you be able to survive a full access medical hist day unplugged from all media? For a few years now, articles their smartphones. have been appearing about unplugging from social media at least temporarily and trying a digital detox or conducting Software has fully e book as the primary a Facebook cleanse. Most authors describe their experi- Coca-Cola Enterpris ments in the language of addiction, complete with cravings truck drivers, and o and withdrawal symptoms. A class of 200 students at the University of Maryland, College Park, went media free for 24 hours and then blogged about the experience. allowing them to re and problems. Some sounded like addicts going cold turkey, "In withdrawal. However, skeptics w Frantically craving. Very anxious. Extremely antsy, Miserable. Jittery. Crazy." One student lamented: "I clearly am addicted that caution is in on and the dependency is sickening." In the absence of tech- tion leaves our elec nology that anchors them to friends and family, students know who may int felt bored and isolated. One wrote: "I felt quite alone and networks must be secluded from my life. Although I go to a school with thou anytime. Amazon's sands of students, the fact that I was not able to communi- lead to far-reaching cate with anyone via technology was almost unbearable." via technology was almost unbearable services. In the websites of several The study reveals a paradigm shift in human interaction. A completely digital generation is viscerally wedded to elec- square, Pfizer, Netfi tronic toys, so much so that technology has become an Amazon's cloud-ba has to do with data indispensable part of young people's lives. ing of sites contai Perceived advantages: Electronically abstinent students Hollywood and il stated that they spent more time on course work, took and data to the clo better notes, and were more focused. As a result, they said they learned more and became more productive. They also YOUR TASK Which ore time with loved ones and already using? WH friends face-to-face. Life slowed down and the day seemed tages? Can you id much longer to some convenience may YOUR TASK Discuss in class, in a chat, or in an online post the most sensitive? following questions: Have you ever unplugged? What was sensitive data an that experience like? Could you give up your cell phone, iPod, briefly discussing to the cloud? If TV, car radio, magazines, newspapers, and computer (no texting, Facebook, or IM) for a day or longer? What would you storage, or post a do instead? Is there any harm in not being able to unplug? of your learning- Moodle). Chapter 7 Short Workplace Messages and Digital Media

Answer 1

Yes I have unplugged and it was a very liberating experience, I interacted with people more and wasn't interested in what friends are doing in a virtual universe. I wasn't intimidated as to I am not having as much fun as friends as I was off social media. Living in a small bubble is quite satisfying.

On the other hand, I wouldnt be able to give up TV, or newspaper unless I am in an area which doesn't have coverage and I have other tasks in hand. I would go walking, or trekking and spend time with family and focus on nitty gritty stuff.

There is harm in not being able to unplug, as a person wouldnt be able to survive. This creates too much dependence on things which are quite unnecessary.