Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age (Turkle)

Jul 9

I genuinely dislike being on my phone. It often feels like a leash. Something I have to attend to whether I choose to or not. I’m not much a fan of being told what to do and the phone often is the one thing in my life doing just that. This meeting is in x number of minutes. This person is pining for my attention via text. My phone is a swiss army knife for the modern world when I need to complete a task. Get directions somewhere, take a photo for reference, look up a source. But when I have a moment away from it I take it. It’s for this reason I dislike taking photos of my life. I dislike being taken out of any moment of my life, even if I know I’ll appreciate the photo later. As for communication, text is for making plans, logistical things. It is not for actual connection. The anxiety I get from not getting in person feedback is never worth whatever perceived convenience. Nothing compares to the actual control and certainty gained from hearing a tone of voice and reading of body language. The other day I apologized to a new friend when I perceived I may have talked over her (a bad habit I am working on). The relief I got from hearing her tone of voice in her response was a great comfort and completely worth addressing in person.