From looking into various sub-issues within how technology is changing us a society, I wanted to take the chance to get some real-world opinions too.
I spoke to people through my social media (ironically) (minus the last 2- my mum and grandma) from a range of age different groups, to get their various opinions on the broad topic and see where they stand with their tech habits.
Ben - 15 year old gamer
"I'd play xbox every day for the rest of my life if I could! My mums dead strict on it though, in a way I am glad of it because I do prefer actually chilling with the lads rather than talking on mic. After I've done my homework ofcourse!"
Elliott - 20 year old student
"Everyone loves a good scroll through their instagram and facebook feeds throughout the day though don't they. But recently I've put a big focus on trying to not get so sucked into my devices. It's mad how much we revolve around it, especially at uni and I suppose for the rest of my working life. Why do we always feel the need to be switched on?"
Reiss - 26 year old office worker
"Always frustrates me when you're out for a meal and you see parents letting their kids have their headphones and iPad out at the table. When I was younger, and even now when I eat at my mums, we were never allowed phones at the table or anything! We were always encouraged to get involved in the conversation. Turn it off!"
Fran - 33 year old fashion designer
"I'm always on my phone, all the way from waking me up and prepping me for the day, to organising and reminding me about meetings with clients, through to my 'evening inspiration scroll' before I close my eyes. I started struggling sleeping and heard it could be to do with how much I'm looking at my screen - I began giving myself atleast an hour break before bed, either reading a book or chatting with my boyfriend, it's helped massively I sleep like a log all night long and feel better from it!"
Mandy - 49 year old primary school teacher
"I do greatly rely on technology throughout the day at school, the kids love it when I get the interactive white board out. But I do try and make it as hands on as possible too, as I'm aware how exposed they are to their devices already at home. It's good to switch it off from time to time!"
Judy - 71 year old, retired
"My grandchildren are always introducing me to their new tech gadgets and I just can't believe how fast the world has developed. At the retirement home the tv is always bloody on, and its always so loud. I get fed up of it, would much rather a chat."
The responses I got back were actually greatly inspiring and tell stories of people who do appreciate balance within technology. I can understand how this is not representative of the entire population, as it is clear how many are over-indulged, but they stand as good examples of how technology should be treated - which could potentially act as inspiration for everyone I will be aiming my response at.
They show how it is a good thing to switch your devices off from time to time, in terms of both social interaction aspects and health.
I noticed how a few of them said something along the lines of "turn it off" at the end, in a jokey-angry way at the end - could this be some sort of tagline/phrase to be incorporated into my response?!
I'm aware how my primary research has indicated that the issues I have discussed may not be as big of an issue as I thought, as the people I spoke to seem to have it all in balance, so I decided to put out a questionnaire to gather more of a mass of responses from a wider (less hand-picked audience) - this can then rack up loads responses over Easter whilst I'm working on other projects.
I kept the questions straight-forward and quick to encourage more people to fill it out, as through observing others putting out surveys, etc on social medias people are less inclined and willing to help you fill out unless a. you sell it to them & b. its quick to do
- That alone reflects my issue!
From sending it out and sharing it to all my friends on social media (quite the varied bunch) I managed to get just shy of 100 replies.
Does your occupation rely on looking at a screen all day?
Yes - 87
No, if so why? - 22
Reflects how a vast majority of jobs do actually involve looking at some sort of screen all day. Whether it be a computer in an office, to a laptop in the studio.
Everyone who said no, listed having practical servicemen jobs such as building site work, there was a plumber, 2 electricians and even a bouncer
How many times a day do you find yourself on social media sites?
I dont - 0
Once or Twice - 6
3 to 5 times - 10
5-7 times - 46
7+ - 37
The higher percentages are strongly weighed towards checking their social media more times throughout the day. Reflecting everyones obsession with being 'connected' and 'online' 24/7, also potentially showing how they could be missing out on social interaction opportunities
Do you go on your phone in bed before going to sleep?
No - 1
Rarely - 0
Sometimes - 14
Always - 84
You either do or you make an attempt not to really, most people tend to have routines before bed, and those who have social media (everyone in this sample) do consider it part of the unwind process - this has replaced in the older generations too who used to read actual books as oppose to iPads.
This information does represent how times have changed and how reliant we are as a working society. In terms of jobs, social interaction and sleeping habits.
All points from my research which people need to be better educated on and encouraged to make small time for not relying on your screen.
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