Reflection On The TED Talk By Sherry Turkle About Communication And Technology
The Goldilocks effect is Dr. Turkle’s suggestion that our reliance on the use of technology allows us to maintain and control the amount of attention we give to others. She explains this suggestion in terms of “too much, too little, just right. ” For example, we keep our friends and family neither too lose, nor too far away. Rather, we keep them within just the right amount of both physical and emotional distance. The Goldilocks effect can be dangerous in a way that the use of technology is working as a deterrent, turning us away from social interaction and human communication. While we may still feel connected through the use of social media and texting, we are sacrificing conversation for mere connection.
When Ms. Turkle talks about us expecting more from technology and less from each other, I think she is clearly stating that most of us are used to rely on technology so much these days, that the slightest interruption or loss would be extremely inconvenient, and for some, life-altering. For example, some places of business shut down for the day if the Internet goes down. I recall several past work experiences where we had backup plans for such instances, but today, closing up shop seems to be far more common. By relying so much on our devices, some people just don’t end up living in the moment. Perhaps a parent is at their child’s dance recital and wants to record their child’s solo, but the camcorder won’t turn on. And when it finally does power on, it alerts the parent that the battery pack must be changed. In response, the parent changes the battery pack. When the camera reboots, the child’s dance solo is over. Another example would be the memorization of phone numbers. I can recall many phone numbers from my childhood, as well as for past employers. But how many of us actually know anyone’s number today? Even the takeover of online shopping is causing brick and mortar stores to be on the endangered list. We are in an age where we want our information, and we want it now. But only when it’s in our control…with limited personal connectedness.
To me, technology is certainly redefining aspects of human communication in many ways. There are plenty of occasions where even a conversation between two close friends can be hijacked by the need to text or take a call.
