Digital Nation

             

I have mixed feelings about digital technology and its usage in various aspects of society. Computer, Online, and Virtual technology has become an enormous part of most societies. It is not uncommon to drivers, especially young adults and teens drive while talking and or texting on mobile devices on a daily basis. Technology is supposed to help make life better however; many times it is because of technology that people are more stressed. Many people say that driving while talking on phone is not distracting. Most people believe that, until they are ticketed for traffic violations that at they are unaware that they are even committing.  Multitasking is another method that digital and virtual technology has helped to enhance. Is multitasking really accomplishing multiple task or should people complete one task at a time?

Driving while distracted by digital and virtual technology is becoming an increasingly contributor to poor decision making skills and increased traffic accidents. Drivers can be seen with hands free devices like ear buds, blue tooth, using speaker phone and built in wireless devices. Although hands free devices can be helpful, it is still distracting to drive and engage over the telephone for long periods.  Notes that “driving while distracted can have effects like driving while drinking.”() Drivers have been observed swerving while on phone by law enforcement officers and other drivers. I had an incident recently that involved myself being distracted, speeding and received a traffic ticket. I was entering the interstate while talking on the phone with my husband. I felt the need to speed up while coming on interstate in order to not continue sitting waiting for a pause in traffic. After I entered the right lane, I quickly moved over to the left lane to what I judged was avoiding impact of the traffic behind me. Once in the left lane I allowed the cars in the right lane to pass then made my way to return to the right lane. Little did I know or pay attention, the vehicle in the left lane was a state trooper that observed the entire event and decided that a ticket was necessary for the way of driving. I explained to the officer that I was going with the flow of traffic and felt the necessity to speed in order to get in position for the lengthy ride I had ahead of me. The officer acknowledged that the entire traffic cluster was speeding and that I was randomly selected because I was following his vehicle in the left lane too closely before I pulled back over in the right lane. When I noticed the vehicle that the officer was driving, I was very disappointed in myself. First of all I should not have been speeding. Secondly, surely a black Suburban with jet black tented windows was an officer under cover, everyone knows that. I don’t make a habit of practicing any unlawful or unsafe driving habits but had I paid attention to that vehicle; I would have had extra precaution and avoided that ticket. I know that the distraction of talking on the phone contributed to my failure to observe my surroundings, speeding and following the officer too closely.

Driving while talking on the cellphone, is just one of the many forms of distractions. There are websites that show case ridiculous things being done in public, while driving and on occasions when the person is unaware that the picture is being taken. People are constantly taking pictures and posting notes while doing everyday life activities via their digital/ virtual device.  This generation calls the constant digital interactions multitasking. While many people think that multitasking is a helpful way to get many things done, others find it distracting and dangerous. Teens call it being “wired”. When I’m trying to do too many things at once; talk to a person on the phone, doing homework on the computer, text, answering emails, and pay attention to my face book updates ding every few minutes…..I feel “wired”.  The wired I feel is translation, nervous, jittery, confused and overwhelmed. The movie (Digital Nation) discussed how some people felt a need to be relieved of the digital overhaul. I understood and agreed that it no longer is just a matter of unplugging your devices. Even when the computer is off, there are still emails and various requests being made via digital that people have to later answer to. Is it fair for an employee to give eight plus hours to their employer daily; then still be expected to answer text messages and emails from their managers throughout the evening as they attempt to cook, clean, spend time with family and friends or whatever they choose to do with the few off work hours. A quick response to an email or text could be beneficial to jump start task at work the following day, or help a situation that may be going on with the sender of the text or email.  However, we need to work together and respect that we are human beings with lives, families, likes, dislikes, responsibilities, various other issues, situations and events that prohibit one to answer every phone call at the moment that it is received. 

Driving while talking on the phone is; driving while talking on the phone. An unknown source once said “I can walk while chewing bubble gum.” The mind of a human being is complicated yet brilliant. We are intelligent beyond our own knowledge. However the disregard of our own weaknesses and limitations can lead to poor outcomes. It is wonderful that pertinent and important can be relayed in a timely manner or real time as it is happening. However, this technology doesn't give us a right to violate the privacy and choices of others. Advancement of technology can be of benefit if we respect and use it properly.