The social media phenomenon is taking over our lives. It seems that our society can no longer function without updating their Twitter or Facebook accounts. Is this bad? Technology can be useful, but is it becoming too much? “Technology and Concerts: What not to do” is an article that explains proper concert etiquette with an emphasis on technology. Is technology consuming our lives to the point where articles need to be published explaining the proper technological etiquette? Something seems wrong about that.
Photos
The article explains that one should not be taking photos, talking on the phone or multitasking. Leave the photographing and videoing to those paid to shoot the events. It is annoying to see phones constantly in the air and blocking others views. Some people think it is ok to shoot the entire set or concert, but it isn’t. Be respectful of others at the concert by keeping your camera phone in your pocket.
Conversations
Don’t talk on the phone at the concert. Enjoy the concert and don’t miss out on the action because of an incoming or outgoing phone call. Constantly shouting into a cellular device can take away from others enjoyment of the music.
Multitasking
Multitasking is the worst of the three. Constantly checking the Twitter feed, email or playing games is an absolute no. It can distract others from the music being played and can ruin their experience. Others are there to hear the music and bond with people who have similar musical interests. One should stay at home if they plan to be engrossed in their smartphones at any portion of the concert. Concerts are also a time to pay tribute to the bands that create our everyday music. Respect the other concert goers and respect the band.
Everyone has their own opinion on what is proper event etiquette and what isn’t. However, the point is that technology may be getting out of hand. One can utilize technology, but don’t become consumed by it. It can be beneficial to separate oneself from the social media and technological worlds. Take a break from all the Twitter and Facebook updates. Embrace the moment!
I have to say, if there is anything to be learned from this course, you have stated it right here. Technology IS good. Technology HAS benefits. Technology DOES help. However, we have arrived a point where we can no longer differentiate between necessary technology and unnecessary technology. What is the point of updating your Twitter at a concert? What do you say--that you are AT a concert? Seems foolish, and yet it is practiced weekly. Perhaps it is not so much that we are addicted to social media but that social media has made us addicted to ourselves. Before sites like Facebook and Twitter, we had no way to broadcast every aspect of our lives. Now, we can state every event that happens and people will hear about.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comment about embracing the moment. I know that I sometimes feel overwhelmed with keeping in constant contact on my Facebook page, updates on twitter, emails, etc. There are times when technololgy is good, but we also need to celebrate having the technology turned off. This summer my son and I went to camp. It was amazing how we did not miss having the technology for that week, but as soon as we were back in the "real" world, we fell back into our technological habits. My family and I limit our time with technology so we can embrace other aspects of our lives. Thanks for the terrific post.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it has gotten out of hand. I think that technology adds some very nice benefits, but as a whole it can really destroy the fine arts as well. I doubt that Kings and Queens had camera phones in there pockets when they listened to Mozart. It still BLOWS my mind that people don't automatically silence their phones when they arrive at an event. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT. Ok, I need to get that little rant out. I think that venues should put in the program was is acceptable behavior for the event and what is not. That would be very helpful. Thanks for your blog.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever heard of the phrase " guns don't shoot people, people shoot people"? Or perhaps it is " guns don't kill people, people kill people". Whichever. The point of this phrase is that it is the people pulling the trigger or handling the gun that ends up hurting someone else. I think this logic can also be applied to technology. It ends up to be the people being completely inconsiderate of others, not at the fault of technology. Some people simply don't give a crap about anyone else as long as their world is revolving around them. This can be applied to any other manners as well; wearing a baseball cap at the dinner table, making your grandma carried her own groceries, using your blinker, saying please and thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I wish everyone would look up for a while, and take in what is happening right now.