In my opinion, the computer has replaced the basic forms of communication, overall in an enhancive way. From the pony express to the impressive snail mail USPS system to e-mails, humans have truly revolutionized the way we communicate. Though there are trade offs, from the impersonal e-mail in lieu of the personal hand written message, digital communication has efficiently transmitted messages with ease.
The Chinese have slowly transitioned from the slow hand written, yet highly cultural calligraphy to a more efficient computer processing system, reminds me of the fact that AP Chinese is the only AP test that requires a computer. Not even AP Computer Science requires one, as all the programming is hand written. Though the AP test does not come with a computer equipped with detecting the right words, it is used primarily because the traditional way of hand writing caused problems with legibility. This demonstrates the shift into the dependency of computers because it is the move into a new technological era.
When using AIM, many people, of whom I notice are often polite, forget basic “mannerisms” when conversing on AIM. They forget to start a conversation with the greeting “Hi” or “Hello,” but instead start with the question or reason why they’re talking to you. People forget the basic mannerisms that influence the culture of society. Nevertheless, AIM does provide an efficient system for communication because people can talk in real time without running up the phone bill or having everyone in the room be able to pick up half the conversation. AIM jumpstarted the idea of video chatting such as Skype and OOVOO, which has become even more popular because people can see each other. Though the technology is advancing, I believe that web chatting is more personal than AIM because the conversers can actually see each other face to face.
Personally, I love getting snail mail, even though e-mails are nice. I think that it’s knowing that snail mail does take a couple more minutes (hand writing v. typing, envelops, stamps, dropping it off) that makes it more special. I keep all the hand written notes that I receive and I think that this may be largely due to the fact that we do have internet and faster forms of communication, but that the person decided to spend the extra time and touch of love to write something physically tangible and lovable.
That's interesting, I have never heard the term "snail mail" before. I guess mail only became snail mail once the telegraph was invented.
ReplyDeleteIt seems rather ironic that of all the AP tests to use a computer, it is the Chinese AP test, given the importance of calligraphy in China throughout history. I can understand how much of a culture shock it would be to switch over from brush to pen, let alone pen to computer.
The internet is truly where social conventions go to die. All's fair in love and the internet, I suppose. It's definitely good to recieve a handwritten letter once in awhile.