I was very surprised about the amount of media I use on a daily basis. I grew up in Bush Alaska and never really had the opportunity to use any type of media, besides the television and occasional computers to type; I mean, I was still getting my research for high school essays from encyclopedias. I didn't start using the Internet until I was a sophomore; and then still I was a amateur and quite naive about what was at my fingertips. Doing this assignment helped me realize how dependent I've made myself to the different styles of media. I can't leave a room (even within my own house) without checking to see if I have my phone. Every morning I load up my tote bag with my laptop, Ipod, and tablet. I tote them around like an extended piece of my body. When I leave I have no intended use planned later in the day, I just carry them for the "just in case" scenarios. When I get in my car I turn on the radio like it's as necessary as my seatbelt. What is even crazier is I can't hear my sister saying my name ten feet from me while I am reading, but if my phone vibrates in the other room I can hear it as if it were directly beside me. I know everyone can laugh about this, because it happens to everyone.
Sometimes I try and revert to my old ways, imagining me having no Internet access, no radio, no constant notifications or messages. However, I try not to do this often, only when completely necessary for my sanity, because when it's time to check the email or phone I'm far behind. I can't decide if the media today makes my life easier, by the unlimited accessibility available, or if it makes my life more difficult, by overwhelming me with information that I could just get from an old fashion encyclopedia or magazine. It's definitely something to think about.
I surprise myself with the amount of media I use daily too, especially in a place like Bethel, which is not my favoritest place to be. :p Had we not had laptops, internet, cell phones, iPods, I think I would feel even more miserable waiting here in Bethel. :)
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