About Me

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I am a wife, mother, business owner and A Doctor of Psychology with an emphasis in media. I studied Psychology and Media at Tennessee State University and Fielding Graduate University at a time when the world is alluded by propaganda, framing, social media, narrative's and a vast amount of media genre eager to divert our attention in a positive or negative way. My hope, through my rigorous, hands on training and studies (10+ years), is to offer insight on "how media is influencing our behavior." This perspective has been lacking since our media evolution has shaped into a universe of it's own.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Plugged In

Addiction is an obsession, compulsion, or excessive psychological dependence, such as; drug addiction, video game addiction, crime, money, alcoholism, work addiction, compulsive, overeating, problem gambling, computer addiction, etc. (Wikipedia,2009)


Technology has a way of making us dependent, like an addict. We now live in a world where advanced technology is all around us and easy accessible. We want things fast, easy and user friendly. With new technology and advanced communication devices on the rise such as video games, laptops, I-pods, and cell phones, being addicted to technology is inevitable. It is imperative to identify symptoms that may occur as a result of overextended use of technology, these include:
  • Risk of loss of a significant relationship, job, educational, or career opportunity due to excessive internet use
  • Internet engagement to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Internet engagement used as a way of escaping problems or relieving feelings of guilt, helplessness, anxiety, or depression

The article "The End of Alone", examined how technology can put an end to loneliness. Cell phones, (i.e., Blackberries/Bluetooth) for example, will give the illusion that he or she is never alone, even if no one physically is with them. The Washington Post reported that people who rely on Bluetooth ear sets just can’t get enough of wearing their accessories. Also, technology gives a person the sense of importance; it keeps him or her in the loop at all times.

Take Away: Technology is an absolute necessity for the fast paced world. But when technology becomes a barrier to our relationships and evolves into an addiction, its benefits are squandered.

Reference:
Am I Still Here? (Doerr, Orion Magazine, 2009) <http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/4234>
The End of Alone (Swidely, Boston Globe, 2008) <http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/02/08/the_end_of_alone/>
Meet the Life Hackers (Thompson, NY Times, 2005) <http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/16/magazine/16guru.html?_r=1&pagewanted=1&emc=eta1>
The Washington Post
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjhjS-MiTIc&feature=email (media clip-Tyra Banks Show)
http://www.worth1000.com/emailthis.asp?entry=381891 (image)



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