The first time I really thought about love, was in 7th grade. Perfect. Let's think about one of the most complex ideas during one of the most awkward stages of our life. At the time, there were two things I loved. First and foremost, my xbox 360. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was a part of many boys lives, and I was not exempt. With 24 DAYS of playing time, I liked to think we really had a connection. Was I in love with the console or the game? I still don't really know, because without one, I never would have had the other. In addition to this, I loved my girlfriend or at least I thought I did, but when I reflect on this, I realize it's difficult to love someone you never actually talked to in person.
Coincidentally, both of my loves involved technology in one way or another. Every time I pressed the power button, I was diving into a world where I could be anyone I wanted. With all of the new technology, we can create multiple identities for ourselves, and often times, they are nowhere near the truth. As seen in "Sight," the man uses technology to create a romantic cover for his seemingly crazy identity as seen at the end. In the real world, not everything is taken to that extent, but with texting, you often have an opportunity to think about your response or even do some research to make yourself witty.
Technology has become a part of every aspect of our lives, but growing up around it makes it easy to love. We are so accustomed to having things done for us. Even things like Google affect our lives more than we think (this is discussed in "Is Google Making Us Stupid"). While technology makes things easier in our lives, it also takes a toll on our general knowledge about how the real world works, as we oftentimes get too caught up in the cyber world.
I will admit, I love technology more than everyone else, but it has definitely affected the way in which humans love. It is hard to find natural love where humans love each other for who they are, rather than the person they've created through technology and material items. This to me, is a terrifying concept and it makes me question the reality of people all the time.
Tyler- Your opening works beautifully, and the humor around your 7th grade cyber/romantic self is hilarious. I'm curious about your line near the end, 'I love technology more than everyone else.' It seems to need explanation. Are you not so far removed from your 7th grade self? Your last paragraph raises good questions, although really we used to make ourselves seem smarter in love letters, and now we do it via smartphones. Those courtship approaches only work for so long, until you finally come face to face... Now, could you set your text size a bit larger for me? Thx.
ReplyDeleteI really like the combination of something as natural as love and something which seems to be so foreign from mans natural state of being, technology. I think it is interesting the way technology appears to have manipulated love in your blog. Reading this I remember watching parents in dinners who seem more connected to their phones than their children and friends who consider hanging out to be the same as playing over Xbox live. I think your conclusion is spot on, technology has changed the way humans experience love.
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