NEW FEATURE: LISTEN TO THE ARTICLE

Someone once said that no choice at all is ultimately better than too much choice. In the former case you may only end up dissatisfied, in the latter swamped.

Recently, we have been inundated by the massive number of ways to connect with each other. Emails, instant messaging services, social networks, text messages, voicemail, video calls… you name it. It’s all perfectly ok as long as it doesn’t depreciate the value of face-to-face conversation and “that human touch.”

How to stay human in an era of increasingly dehumanized ways of connecting with humans? Check out:  It’s Time for a “Slow Conversation” Movement 

Glossary

• proponent – a person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project
• proliferation – rapid increase in numbers
• obscure – keep from being seen; conceal
• dilute – make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it
• relevant – closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand
• be taken aback – be shocked
• veer – change direction suddenly
• modicum – a small quantity of a particular thing, esp. something considered desirable or valuable
• verbal diarrhea – logorrhea
• fidelity – faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support 
• against the grain – contrary to the natural inclination or feeling of someone or something 

Think about it

Based on the text answer the following questions. Leave your answers in the comments below! 

• Is the author generally for or against technology?
• What does the author mean by “multi-casting” in paragraph 2?
• What is the author’s opinion on obsessive recording of events? What two examples does he use to illustrate his point?
• What are some pros and cons of a world where everything is up for comment?
• Why do you think “a handwritten note, phone call, or coffee, will always carry greater fidelity, signal and weight than bits and bytes?”

Practice makes perfect

In the sentences below replace the phrases in bold with the expressions from the original text. Leave your answers in the comments below!

• It has made content that is worth consuming less visible.
• Which, leads me to three resolutions for 2013 that are all at odds with the mass-connectivity trend.
• We live in a world where everything can be commented on.
• Yes, it’s great that companies now have to deal with the public wrath of online critics whenever their products or customer service are substandard.
• I am all for more tele-presence and enhanced Skype capabilities, but nothing is better than a face-to-face meeting for things that really matter.

Rewrite the following sentences so that their original meaning is preserved. Use the words in capital letters if they are given, do not change their forms. Do not exceed the limit of eight (8) words per one blank space.

1. I am entirely in favor of technology. PROPONENT

I could not _______________________ of technology.

2. It has concealed content whose consumption value is significant. OBSCURED

It _____________________________ consuming.

3. “Are you going to take a moment to stop recording the moment to just live and be present in it?” I asked a female guest.

I asked a guest _______________________to stop recording the moment ___________________ present in it?

4. We live in a world where everything can be commented on. UP

We live in a world _____________________ comment.

5. How many of those was it better to do in person? WOULD

How many of those _________________________ in person?

Explore it more

(825)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download