For my essay topic, I would like to discuss my own generation and the effects of our media-centered communication techniques. Generation Z (AKA 'Net Generation', 'Generation I', 'Generation 9/11', and the 'Internet Generation') is generally defined as the group of people born in the 1990's and early 2000's. This generation's markers consist of the complete reliance on social media and electronics, the focus on individuality, and the shared experience of historical events such as the Gulf War, 9/11, and the financial crises of the late 2000's. Generation Z was signified as beginning after the fall of the Soviet Union, with the earliest members (myself) being born in 1991. As a communication studies major, we are constantly looking at the progression of modes of communication; which are rapidly moving away from verbally spoken and formally written word. We learn of new tools every day in the field, and attempt to study their impact on the population. The phenomenon of social media has created a generation of incredibly exposed teenagers and young adults, which has extremely positive and extremely negative effects on ourselves and society as a whole. Just how far will we go to gain information as quickly as possible? Are we overlooking the loss with all of this gain? Along this path of progression, we are forgetting fundamental skills that have previously defined our society. The question is; do we need them?
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Great topic, and very relevent to the assignment!
ReplyDeleteSome things that come to mind: Social networking is influencing how we communicate. There are those in compositions studies and communications who are exploring the affordances of social media in the classroom. You should be able to find plenty of academic literature on this subject, but I imagine the internet and blogosphere have something to say as well.
Can't wait to read it.