Disconnected Response

I found the Disconnected video interesting and frustrating at the same time. I respect the students for their ambition to go 3 weeks without a computer however I wouldn’t be able to last that long without my computer because it is a necessity for school. (This assignment is being turned in via the internet.) The video did a great job showing the positive and negatives of using the computer. The students said that without the computer they felt bored so they would spend more time outside, going for a walk through the woods. This is something that most people don’t do because they are consumed in the use of their computer. It is the ultimate package; with movies, iTunes, YouTube, twitter, Facebook and games all in one. One professor said he was afraid people had an addiction to technology.

            Teachers and outside public saw this task as impossible because the world has been transformed by technology. There are no longer card catalogs at the library; it’s all done online now. Andrew’s Chinese professor told him to complete his assignments when he was able to use the internet and wouldn’t give him an alternative route. He reacted similar to what I would have by giving up and using the internet so he wouldn’t fall behind. He questioned his motives for going through with this task. He also said he blogs to get his emotions out and uses that as a stress reliever. I can see how that is a positive aspect for the internet.

            Another student, Caitlin, felt more organized and prepared without the accessibility of the internet. She felt she knew the material better because she actually read it as opposed to skimming the surface. She was also very proud of her finished paper because she worked hard typing on the typewriter without spell check and word count. When the weeks were concluded she checked her 300 plus emails and felt she had not missed out on much; she no longer had a “sick fascination “with the internet.  All students were proud of taking on this task and as a result they cut down their use of the internet.

            Overall, I would not have been happy to go 3 weeks without my computer. I would’ve reacted similar to Andrew by giving it a try but not wanting to fall behind in school. It is nice to go a few days without texting because I don’t like walking down the street and seeing everyone’s eyes glued to their phone. The world doesn’t stop without technology it just makes life easier and information more accessible.