Introduction
Technology development has unified the society in enhancing social ties among the members of the community. This is because technology facilitates the changing nature of computer mediated communication that enhances the growth of networked individualism (Sugiyama & Vincent 2003). The interconnection between individuals through mobile phone and internet connectivity generates a networked society. Connectivity happens to individuals/persons. This is because the connections are not to places but people. For instance, wireless telephones enables people communicate regardless of where they are. They are not jerked in and ring at a specific place for somebody to pick up since users carry with them to everywhere they go. People enjoy the benefit of these gadgets, which includes internet connectivity that enhances social communication. Technology therefore links people at wherever they are at the real time. All these activity put a person as the centre of everything contributing to individualism networked community.
The technology or rather the computer supported communication is at every place. However, it is not situated anywhere. It is the ‘person’ alone that is accessible and reachable at wherever they are. They may be at the hotel room, home, shopping center, and highway or even in the office. These individuals become the “portal.” The person, and not a group or a household, is the primary source unit of connectivity (Wellman et al., 2002). Therefore technological communication through the internet only means the ready availability of individuals at specific places. Wireless and mobile communication is therefore means even more availability of persons regardless of their location. These supportive convoys ethereally travel with each “person”.
This idea of “the person has become the portal” relates to that of blurring boundary of humans and machines. Through technology, people operate with the help of machines even though such machines may not be of necessary help to them. Their boundary has lessened and is no more visible. When a person begins to use a device to help them on a weak area of functioning, it is understandable. However, when others use supportive machines in their bodies, then one may wonder (Turkle, 2007). Are people machines or must a person use machine for them to survive? A cataract surgery is a good example to talk about. This is the procedure of replacing natural eye lenses with artificial ones. When natural lenses develop cataracts, a person loses their transparency. Their vision becomes cloud. Upon fixing the artificial lenses, such a person’s vision is corrected and enables them live a normal life with the bionic eyes. Now the interesting part is that, prior to technology, some artificial lenses have additional features. They are made with features like zooming capability, automatic shading in environments with much light and the ability of projecting graphics and texts. These features attract people in such a way that they may not have developed cataracts but still need the artificial lenses. People therefore get attempt to have the cataract surgery without suffering from the disease. This tells that there is no boundary between human being and machines. People like to use machines more in performing simple tasks than they can use their bodies.
Just like the convoys of communication, supportive machines like the artificial lenses have become a primary requirement to human beings. People feel lessened when they operate without these gadgets. The devices’ initial meaning of providing just a help is therefore misinterpreted by people as they think that such machines as a necessity for human functioning.
Application of the concept
A mobile phone is just a mere gadget for communication. Even though the device has additional features entitled to add a flavor in the usage, its primary meaning is to assist people communicate with much ease. However, in my own experiences, a mobile phone is a must have for me. The first thing I normally do immediately after bed is checking my phone for social and news updates through the internet. Before I leave for any place, the gadget must be in my pocket. The phone and I are inseparable. The device is very important tool for me to an extent that I cannot afford to live without. This is because, through the mobile phone, I not only get to communicate to friends and family but also enjoy the benefit of socializing with people. It forms the basis of my first access to news.
The mobile phone is like a part of my physical body. I would do nothing the whole day if somebody were to take the gadget away from me. This is because, without a mobile phone, all routine activities that I ‘am addicted to will be in a stand still. Imagine how a boring day when somebody stays without their most treasured equipment (Sugiyama, 2009). It could mean lowering their self esteem and general mood in their entire lives. Technology has therefore made remarkable change of peoples lifestyles. People consider themselves abnormal or even go insane when they do not have an access to their things that they value most in their lives.
References
Sigiyama, S., & Vincent, J. (2003) Social robots and emotions: transcending the boundary between humans and ICTs. Intavella: platform for intellectual exchange. 1, 1-6
Wellman, B., Boase, J., & Chen, W. (2002). The networked nature of the community: Online and ofline. IT & Society, 1, 151-165
Turkle, S. (2007), Authenticity in the age of Digital Companions. Interaction Studies, 8, 501-517
Sugiyama, S. (2009). The decorated mobile phone and emotional attachment for Japanese youths. In J. Vincent, & L Fortunati (Eds), Electronic emotion, the mediation of emotion via Information and communication Technologies (pp. 85-103). Oxford: Peter Lang
