Mike Steminsky
ENG 110 – H6
Professor Emerson
13 October 2017
The benefits and deficiencies of Instant Information
Information is readily available in today’s society. Whether it is in newsstands, the internet, even social networking, the world is buzzing with information. This fairly new life experience is shaping the way a person goes about their daily life. Many argue that all these new influences in our lives actually act as distractions. I believe that if we channel the use of these extra accessories, it will benefit the individual more then hurt them. A wealth of constant information strengthens young minds because it allows growth, instant access, and the ability to create big change on a small scale.
The information and technological advances of our time have strengthened the future by reaching children at a younger age. Many elementary schoolers are getting more technology at a faster rate. Some get tablets before they’re five, others are using their parents phones earlier then that. The effect of technology is apparent in today’s society but why does this matter? The earlier a child has access to the internet the faster their brains can begin to start making connections to certain aspects and interests. For example, a child having the ability to look up anything at anytime allows them to be interested in a topic more than just school. A student can learn without being in front of a teacher or not during school hours. Plus they can achieve this by being able to research a ever expanding amount of information. The child’s brain can bounce from topic to topic and for the most part they can find information on each topic. Why children though? Why not talk about older adults? The younger individuals eventually use these skills when they become adults. For instance, in elementary schools, the children in the next generation of employees have been using computers since their first day. They use so much technology from a young age that they are already adapted to their society. As time goes on they can use this technology to improve their abilities. Therefore, the integration of this actually benefits the 20 year old population because it allows them to master their skills before they need them in the future.
Instant access allows everyone to be able to communicate with each other and get information. People can use this in business or just general texting. Some argue that this cause more distraction for people and this can be true if they let it occur. If an individual has enough control to stop themselves from talking in a situation then the distraction can be handled or avoided. For example, the argument that many present of kids being on their phone can be attributed to their choice of always being on it. There can be many factors that alter this claim but at the end of the day it’s their choice to go on their phones. If individuals choose not to be on their phones then they can still enjoy the benefits of having communication without the distraction. The instant communication revolutionizes our society. It creates a modern world where mail or long waiting is no longer needed. This results in better and faster relations in the business and personal world.
Thomas King’s story itself shows the power of mass media. King spreads awareness of his cause by using social media. By doing this he is able to spread awareness to a mass group of people. Social media and mass media also shows this through many products. Advertisements are used exactly for this purpose. Advertisers know that by sending a tweet out, creating a commercial, or sending a mass text out, they can reach their target audience and sell more of their good. These business can reach their demographics much easier and therefore this can benefit young minds that need this type of reaching out. Also, a person’s message can be sent out very easily. A charity event or pledge, such as JJ Watt and the houston tragedy can blow up over social media. An individual’s message can be seen and everyone can respond to it a lot faster then any other way. For young individuals who want to create a significant change in the world like Thomas King, having a way of reaching a mass populations very easily
A wealth of information actually strengthens minds rather than hurts them as long as the information is being used in the right way. The information can be a lot for some people but as long as the user is able to specify their requests, they’ll be fine. The instant information can also help young minds by getting them ready earlier in schooling to use their skills. Children can research more at a younger age and develop their research school at a young aged compared to using it at an older time. The ability of people being able to use instant information to help spread their message and give them a voice also has the positive potential use of every individual. The foundation is put in place to give any individual a way to talk to a mass group of people very easily, allowing them the opportunity of spreading a message or cause.
