#7) What's the news?

What is the news? I guess this is directed towards the youth in this world... Do you read the newspaper? Do you sit up at night with your parents and watch Dave Dahl or whoever the heck is talking about weather?... Do you really care? well, no.

I don't see why we would... but we should. I can't tell you the last time I sat down to read the paper or turned on the television and watched an entire news episode. Why?... because it's so boring. As young adults, we want action, we don't want stock information. Why watch ch.5 news when we can watch ESPN football games or TNT's movie of the night... What does the newspaper have to do with us and our own selfish desires? We don't care about the world do we? We don't want to know about the war efforts where men and women are giving their lives for us while we sit around watching football because we have the freedom to do so.

So, why is this? Well, it has to do with how society gives the news in a way that only attracts one generation. There needs to be a way to get the news across to all ages in ways that peak their interests the way that sports do, the way that t.v. shows do. There is so much variety with t.v shows that allow for many people to watch whatever they want. Talk shows are great because they are comical yet somewhat informative... but they never really cover serious issues. What if the news could reach out to multiple generations with a sense of comedy and relief? Why does the news always have to be so negative and full of bad news.

Nevertheless, it's important that we as part of a younger generation try to fill ourselves with as much worldly news as possible. It is very helpful for everyone if you know what is happening in the very state you reside, the very nation, the very continent, the world as we know it. Fill yourself with knowledge of you surroundings so that you don't only turn to news when terrorism attacks or tragedy strikes... what hypocrites are we if we have the nerve to say how sorry we are for victims in a war we know nothing about...

Read. Watch. Learn. Be a part of the world.

#6) Convenience vs. Communication Effectiveness

Facebook, Myspace, Email, Instant messaging, text-messaging... All of these efficient communication technologies are so much quicker and easier than hand-writing a letter or calling someone on the phone. Why have we done away with actual voice-recognition communication or personal penmanship and reverted to these typed out misleading messages?

For me, if I wanted to contact someone out of state, the best way would be to call them. I am not saying that email is bad or sometimes not the best way to communicate. But usually, if I am trying to get a hold of someone out of state, then I probably haven't talked to them in a while... so why would I choose to type out a message that really can't explain emotions the way a phone-call can. It's very interesting to see how communication has greatly changed do to the creation of email.

So, what does it mean? How can we continue to use one of the greatest technological inventions, in my opinion, without losing deep meaning within communication? It is hard, that's for sure... But we need to understand that one can feel better about the conversation they are having with someone if they can hear the expression and the tone in his/her voice. I love to email, text-message, facebook message, and instant message because it's easy and efficient. However, I find it discouraging to hear when people only converse with others by those means. With so much communication technology out there in the world, it is easy to get caught up in it and forget about real effective communication.

I just challenge people to take a look at the way they are using means of communication and see if they can create more opportunities to pick up that phone or pull out a piece of paper and a pen rather than to sit at a computer and type up a message that doesn't contain as much meaning. Ironic, though, isn't it?... that I am typing out a blog post on the ineffectiveness of communication based on the very means I am using to get my point across...

....that's something to think about...

#5) Is image distorting reality?

Movies...movies...movies. Who doesn't enjoy action, romantic, sci-fi, and comedy films? Movies have become one of the biggest forms of entertainment in our society. I love movies of all kinds and just get wrapped up in the stories that are so beautifully orchestrated by the directors. If you don't get entirely caught up and lost in Lord of the Rings, then I personally think there is something wrong with you. There are movies out there that are meant to challenge the mind on higher levels of thinking. Some are just created for comedic relief that help people escape the demanding and quick pace of life. Some are even based on true stories or on actual events. And there are definitely some that are completely fiction. A lot of times it's hard to determine the meaning of a certain film and to be able to pick out parts in which you can apply to your own life. Basically, the point I am trying to make is that media is so image-oriented and is consistently growing at a rapid pace.

I am not saying by any means that movies can't be influential or have a deep meaning that really challenge people. There are definitely a lot of movies out there that do just such a thing. However, there are also movies made just to entertain and not to inform and it is a very important thing to be able to pick out truth and what I would say reality. According to Jacques Ellul, Image is related to reality (sight, space), and word is what is related to truth (hearing, times). He says, "Image can be accurate or inaccurate but not true or false." This is a very unique concept that can actually challenge one's faith, which is why we need to be aware of this.

These are two quotes by Jacques Ellul:

…sight and language determine two different kinds of thinking. Language, which is written, involves a long, careful process. My eyes follow the words one after the other, and thus a sequence of understandings are connected to each other. Thought develops according to the axis of this sequence of words. I receive knowledge progressively as the elements of what I am trying to understand link up in succession. Ideas are gradually laid bare as I follow the sentence. The sentence unfolds within a given time span, so that my knowledge necessarily takes the form of step-by-step reasoning. My knowledge progresses by following the curves of this language, assuming a certain continuity in the sentence and rationality in the relationship between words.

…images link themselves up to each other in a manner that is neither logical nor reasonable. We proceed by association of images and their successive changes. The aspects of an image that change in this process have to do exclusively with the spectacle in its present moment. They are never a logical sequence. … it is not the characteristics of electronic signals which have made the difference, but the manner in which images follow each other. When we think by means of images … each image is a totality, and the sequence progresses by fits and starts.

Problems really start to occur when we begin to confuse the ideas of image with that of truth.

If we look at the film, The DaVinci Code, as truth, then we are going to greatly confuse non-believers with what is actually true. The movie is a great fiction film, but that's all it is... it doesn't in any way explain our beliefs as Christians.

Jacques asks two questions for us :

1) As media becomes more image oriented will it separate us further from truth, if so, what are the implications?

2) What challenges does this present to us as Christians if seeing is believing becomes the norm?

These questions are not easily answered by any means, but we need to think about them so when a time comes in our lives when we need to answer it, we will know how to. I would say, that if we have a strong faith, then we shouldn't need to worry about images seperating us further from truth. However, we need to make sure that non-believers, who it is our job to minister to, know that truth and how to look past the images and to the word. 'Seeing is believing' becoming the norm would propse many problems as for it would take away the very thing that defines faith. I don't think that it will ever become the norm but it is not one thing to just let go. We need to make sure we are constantly growing in our faith... a good idea is to find people to stay accountable with.

Media really can challenge one's faith and we just need to make sure that we are ready for the situations placed in front of us and have the ability to answer difficult questions about it asked.

John 20:29: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe

#4) Got high def?

Communication technology is constantly being adapted and changed throughout society at all times. Television is one of those major changes. I know that through my lifetime I have seen television sets just get larger in diameter and smaller in depth... T.V.'s will be one of those continually developing technologies from beginning to end with not much time spent looking at what is now, but rather what is next.

I feel as though this subject greatly fits into Roger's theory of diffusion. With high definition it will take time for people to make that change over from their analog television sets to these much more expensive sets. It will be interesting to see how many people will hold back and be resistant as laggards or who will be very skeptical and cautious but give into pressure or economic necessity as part of the late majority. We are currently, in my opinion, still in the early majority phase of the high definition communication technology diffusion but will be changing more rapidly as we prepare for the big switch in just over a year. It will be very interesting to watch the statistics as time goes on..

As for right now, the public has begun to invest around three-quarters of a grand or more on television sets in order to get a more clear picture with many new and exciting features. High definition is so popular and most t.v.'s are being made with high-definition enabled. With these new high-definition sets where the resolution on them is superb, it helps viewers feel as though they are part of the action and actually sitting right on the court for a basketball game.

But how? How is the public suppose to see a new product and fork out enough money to buy it, knowing that a more advanced television is right around the corner... well, welcome to technology. I believe that communication has gone to almost all technologically-based means and will continue to grow as time goes on. I don't think that Marconi, Carey, Sawyer, or Belin (major contributors to the invention of the television) could have predicted how much of an impact their invention would have in the near future.

This entry was more of a thought to keep us thinking about the advancements in communication technology and how we are going to see so many more changes among the television and other means of communication technology throughout our lifetime. What's next?

God bless! ~JTL

#3) Understanding the 3 Immutable Laws of New Communication Technology

Before starting off, I want to take a look at a verse in the bible:

Matthew 19:21

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

• The first law of immutable laws of new communication technology states, "There is a direct relationship between new communication technologies and the pace of life: fast, fast, fast!"

I love the way this law is so straight forward. Technology throughout our lifetime changes so rapidly that by the time we buy one thing, it's time to buy something similar, just more advanced. This direct relationship between new communication technologies and the pace of life is very quick. So many times, we move through life so quickly that we miss out on many relationships and opportunities to make a difference in one's life. I wish this didn't have to happen, but it's the way we are. Especially with all the opportunities for income in the United States, it makes purchasing these fun, but ultimately worthless materials so easy. I am by no means one to say that I am innocent of this action. I am a very materialistically-viewed person and absolutely love buying the latest DVD/CD/video game (system)/ipod/cell-phone/clothing apparel/etc. which often gets me thinking why? Why do I have such privileges in life to throw my money away on such garbage. It says in

Matthew 6:19-21:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

• This runs right alongside law #2 which states, "There is a direct relationship between new communication technologies and convenience: now, now, now!
  

This one I love as well, as it parallels that previous law. Going along with materials in this world, this law shows how we (as greedy fools) want the latest communication technologies now! What I find so funny about this whole obsession of possessions is how much people love it... but at the same time, hate it. We see the wealthiest people in the world as some of the most unhappy people in the world. And yet, we fool ourselves into thinking if I just have this one more thing/if I just have a little more money, then we will somehow find happiness.... That has got to be the worst assumption EVER!!! Our happiness needs to be found in our faith in the Lord and in the life he gives us, the relationships he gives us, the basic essentials he provides us. Nothing else should matter in this world, for one day we will be leaving it and our precious valuables are not coming with us. Too bad...

• The third law states, "There is an inverse relationship between new communication technologies and our ability to hear God's voice: later, later, later! (when things slow down)

How sad is that? What does that tell us? Does a movie or a cell phone really deserve more attention from us than God? Obviously the answer is no, but why do we delay God and put our own desires first? I don't know because I am very good at it. I can't even begin to count how many times I put God on hold so that I could go do a self-pleasing activity. Now, am I saying that we need to be concentrated on our bibles or in prayer all the time instead of enjoying a film or a leisure activity...no! But what I am saying, is that in all we do we need to put God first and foremost so that our faith (which is the most important) can still flourish. We need to recognize the right time and the wrong time in our life to follow our own pleasures. However, we must always remain on the one-way straight and narrow path that God set before us in golden stone, so that we don't stray off course onto our own curvy dirt road with a dead end.

Proverbs 4:10-13:
My child, listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways
and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life.




God Bless! ~JTL

#2) Discouragement of the Perception of Intimacy

In many aspects in my life, I have often seen the perception of intimacy being discouraged in many regards. When trying to understand social distance, which is the perceived lack of intimacy between two or more individuals, I immediately think of the advancement in technology and the common uses of email, text-messaging, and Myspace/Facebook. These advancements in technology have proven to be a very efficient and useful tool of communication. However, many people do not see the serious implications that it has on one's behavior or the way it greatly affects relationships in negative ways.

We can better understand this by looking at George Simmel's theory of social distance, which is the perceived lack of intimacy between two or more individuals. It also talks about how these new types of communication technologies encourage or discourage the perception of intimacy in relationships. He uses ideas such as letter writing vs. phone calls vs. email vs. instant messaging vs. face to face and so on.

Communication varies dramatically among two individuals when comparing for example, a Facebook conversation to one that occurs face-to-face. We notice how it seems so much easier and efficient to use technology to communicate to another person via email, or ironically blogger; or some other way, but when studying how much time kids/youth/adults spend conveying messages online, it causes some serious psychological issues. With the continuing growth of technology, we can only guess that more advanced and efficient technological resources will be invented, thus perpetuating the never-ending cycle of indirect communication with another human being.

Obviously the internet is very effective and important to anyone and everyone, where you have the ability to buy & sell items/communicate with anyone/work for an online organization & earn money without having to step one foot outside your home. I fear that in the future we are looking at a world of almost complete technological dependence. With this age of technology, we begin to lose the idea of communication among beings, in which our future generations will miss out on the meaning of interpersonal communication effecting the way they act, react, behave, and understand the most important thing of existence: communication.

God Bless! ~JTL