I Guess it's Called the Information Age for a Reason

I've been on Face Book for about three years now. I semi-regularly read a couple blogs. I text my kids and friends. And that's about all the social media I've needed or wanted. I hadn't really thought about the impact of using electronic media other than it seemed to take up a bunch of my time. Sure, it's nice to stay connected to friends and family, but is constant news updates and instant access as revolutionary as hyped?

Well, the last two weeks of business class have demonstrated that, yes, it is. Looking back at history, we talk about Gutenberg's printing press and the resulting revolutionary change in the flow and exchange of knowledge and information. I can easily understand the importance of books. Through books I have access to information that otherwise I would not. Maybe it's because I'm living during the social media transition that I've taken it for granted. But electronic media has exploded the concept of accessing and channeling information. Today, practically everyone has a printing press on their desk or in their pocket. Everyone owns an enormous library. Information is available to everyone, not just the rich or those in authority. 

As a small example, right now on Face Book I'm having a philosophical discussion with a couple of friends. We've been talking over the last week or so about the importance and relevance of a common social issue. None of us are scholars, and our reasoning and opinions aren't going to change the world. But we have managed to influence each other. 

But the point is, without electronic media this discussion would never have taken place. We live in three different states and don't know each other well enough to ever visit. And if we did ever see each other we wouldn't have time to talk philosophy! But Face Book not only allows us to swap stories about the kids and say hi occasionally, it allows the easy exchange of ideas. It enables the quick sharing of information. 

Twitter, blogs, podcasts, Face Book. I have a better appreciation now for these technological advancements. Electronic media, it's all about information. Fast, easy, accessible information.