An alternate title for this blog entry might be “Adjusting to Social Media.” Many of us who are older “dogs” at this point haven’t really caught up with the changes in forms of communication that have occurred in recent years. Some of us are making the effort. Others aren’t. If you’re a student of communication, you’re probably familiar with Morris Massey, who has used the lens of generational differences to help individuals understand the communication process. Where we were when, especially in pre- and early adolescence, influences the principal frames through which we view the external environment. When I was at those ages, radios and TVs had tubes that could be checked at the local drug store when the radio or TV stopped working. Communication was by rotary-dial (often party line) telephone, handwritten letter or card mailed by the U.S. Postal Service, or typed on a manual typewriter. Information was stored in books on shelves in libraries. Even television has changed. We’ve gone from broadcast (over the air) TV with three stations that weren’t on the air 24/7 to cable TV with 500 channels. That’s in addition to the vast amount of information available online.
Those who track social change have commented on the increasing pace of life that began in the nineteenth century, when ships left sail behind and started steaming and carriages became “horseless.” The pace of change increased in the twentieth century when tubes were abandoned in favor of “transistors” and turntables were abandoned (by most if not all) in favor of iPods and other MP3 players. Through most of those changes, modes of communication remained the same: something was written—whether by hand, by typewriter, or computer and printer—put in an envelope and mailed. People made phone calls, and they got their news from evening TV, newspapers, and newsweeklies. Most middle-class families with children owned a set of encyclopedias so that the kids had something to copy for their school assignments.
One of the recent news headlines (at least on Internet news) was the elimination of the printed copy of The Encyclopedia Britannica. Because you’re reading this, you probably already saw that news item and are also aware of the growing sales of e-books and e-book readers. And you probably also know that one of the largest bookstore chains in the States, Borders, has closed its doors. You probably are also aware that teens are moving away from phone calls and email and now prefer texting.
Most of this falls in the “what you are is where you were when” category. If you are 30 or younger, the changes seem minor. If you are 50 or older, on the other hand, all the “newness” can seem overwhelming. A long time ago (especially in Internet years), I attended a session about using the Internet as an educational tool. I was seated next to the individual who introduced me to business communication while I was a graduate student. As the speaker listed the advantages of online education, my mentor shook his head and said, “I’m glad I’m about to retire.” Not everyone adjusts to change quickly and easily.
It seems to me the important point here is that, while learning new things becomes difficult for some, others retain life-long curiosity. Some of the difference between the life-long learners and those who have decided that they know everything they need to know may result from whatever captured their attention when they were at Morris Massey’s magical age of intense learning. If you were actively engaged in the process of learning from about age 10 to about 15, you’re probably still actively engaged in the process. Other than being aware of where you want to focus your attention, there’s no right or wrong here. Some older folks go to computer camps, while others prefer to go fishing or play shuffleboard. It seems to me that what’s important is being aware that you are choosing where and how to spend your time.
For many in my age group, the current challenge is learning what to do with social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+. One of the metaphors that’s been used for social media is that of the “Wild West” of communication. The Wild West in the States was a chaotic mix of stealing land from Native Americans, range wars between those who raised cattle and those who raised sheep, outlaws, lawmen, and farmers. The attitude of “anything goes” now seems to apply to social media. The modern equivalent of range wars seems to be copyright wars, so instead of gun battles, the “hot action” takes place in court. Sexting, spam, and photos of beer bashes on Facebook costing job applicants a chance at an interview will fade into history, and the “wild west” will become increasingly civilized.
While we’re waiting for that to happen, we have a perfect opportunity to explore the new territory. If it is less of a physical and more of an intellectual challenge than that faced by Lewis and Clark, it provides the same thrill of learning how to navigate new territory. Have fun with your explorations.
