Communication Media Journal Reflection

1. Tell me about the different ways that you used communication for 24 hours in your journal. Think about the different media that you used, and the purposes for which you used specific media. Were some media better suited to specific purposes? (For example, the media you chose to use for social interaction versus information gathering: Why did you make these choices?)

The different technologies I used for communication in 24 hours included the internet, web conferencing, and my cell phone. The internet allowed me to access instant chat messengers such as MSN and social networks like facebook to stay it contact and up to date with my friends. Communicating through the internet is good when using a computer because most users have some form of instant messenger, email or social network account. My cell phone was my most reliable form of communication because responses were always quick. Most people are not always connected to the internet or have access to a computer (unless they have smart phones) but most, if not all have their phones on hand. The cell phone is perfect for quick messages, convenience or communicating on a more personal level as opposed to the internet and online messaging where certain situations disallow you to convey the emotions you please.

2. What was the most common communication medium that you used in 24 hours? Why do you think this medium was the most commonly used one?

The most common communication medium that I used in 24 hours was my cell phone. I think it was the most commonly used because it was convenient and quick. Typing a text message takes less than 30 seconds and responses are usually immediate. Especially with new technologies as smart phones, almost everything done on a computer can be done on your phone.

3. What was the most common purpose for the communication media you used?

The most common purpose for my cell phone was texting friends or making quick phone calls to ask where they were or what they were doing.

4. What do you think you learned most about the role of communication media in your everyday life by keeping this journal? Please explain your answer.

I learned that almost all forms of communication are connected to technology in some form or way. More times than not, I am talking to someone through the phone, email, MSN, facebook or some other form of technology media. Even in person to person encounters, the meeting is often set up through technology.

For example, if I ask someone to hang out, usually the decision to meet is through the internet or on your cell phone. Even if you decided to meet in person, when you arrive or are waiting for the person, you will call them and ask, “where are you?” ,“what time are we meeting” or some sort of communication before the face to face meeting.

5. What was the most surprising thing that you learned from keeping this journal? Why is this surprising? Please explain.

The most surprising thing I learned from this journal is how everything I do is technology related. In my home, school and work. At school, lectures are almost always presented in some form of powerpoint or video. At home, If I am relaxing, I am on the computer or watching television and even when doing homework, I am checking the class website for assignments or marks.

6. What are some of the positive implications about having communication media in your life? Name 2 or 3 possible implications, and explain them.

- Convenient
- Entertaining

Communication media is so convenient because it is instant, quick, and effortless.
Secondly, life would be much more boring without the internet, cell phones, or television. To be completely honest, I would not survive 3 hour lectures without the aid of my cell phone or the internet.

7. What are some of the negative implications about having communication media in your life? Name 2 or 3 possible implications, and explain them.

- Always plugged in, less privacy
- Increases laziness and procrastination

Having social networks such as facebook always people and friends to constantly know what is happening in your life, even when you do not want them to. People are able to contact you in an abundant amount of ways. If someone really wanted to get in contact with you, they could.
Secondly, communication media causes laziness and presents distractions. Doing homework on the computer means I am connected to the internet. Being connected to the internet means quick 1 minute checks of my facebook news feed or hockey pool. If I did not have the internet in my home, doing homework would be harder but it would allow me to get a lot more work done

8. How do you think your life would be if you did not have access to communication media. Please talk about both the positive and the negative things that might happen.

If I did not have access to communication media, I would be much more productive learning wise. Reflecting on my communication media journal, I waste countless hours watching videos or surfing the net. Often I find myself watching television and then go to my room to do homework, but instead of diving straight into it, I find myself first checking emails and wasting time.

9. If you had to choose one communication media to take on a desert island, which one would you choose and why?

If I had to take one communication media to a desert island, it would be my cell phone. I would call for help.

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