Ipods and Social Isolation
by Christine on March 27, 2005
Ipods cause social isolation and are being banned in schools, according to this article. Now if we could ban instant messaging, text messaging, social emailing and talking on the cell to the person down the hall. Just kidding – but there is some truth.
This week I took my sign language class to visit a Deaf school. One of our Deaf hosts spoke a little about the history of Deaf education. He also spoke passionately about social isolation, technology and the loss of community in the Deaf community. One of the factors he spoke about where the ubiquitous presence of Blackberrys, Sidekicks (text messaging, instant messaging, cell phone combo’s), and the internet. Where the Deaf used to get together on weekends at Deaf clubs and socialize they can now stay home and email or text message. The internet, video relay (live video phone), and other technologies allow the Deaf to work and live in the broader hearing community – but as good as this is – it has increased the sense of isolation the Deaf feel.
After church today – I had an interesting conversation with a friend who pointed out that even hearing people are experiencing a sense of isolation with the increase in technology. Of course – I don’t know if she has discovered blogs!!!!
I came home and read about Ipods keeping kids focused inward rather than reaching out and dialoging with their friends. What’s my son doing now – sitting here in the kitchen tuned into his Ipod. Something for me to think about!
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- Where Silence Is Golden ...