Communication had tremendously decreased since the conception of the digital world. Due to us being further removed from the present, we no longer interact in public spaces. Instead we take what we observe and communicate it with others in our digital networks, choosing instead to be bystanders in public environments.
Loss of Communication
Unlike traditional media, digital media gives people the opportunity to stay connected with friends or family, updated with recent news, and the closest thing to a real life setting. Although, the whole concept of digital media has its negatives as well. Many people feel like too much usage of digital media corrupts the way that we go about staying connected in face to face communication. Some people are becoming so dependent on these electronic devices that they happen to forget that they have actual lives to live, instead of the ones they build in the digital world. The subway should be the perfect place for people to get rid of the all the devices and enjoy one another’s company, since everyone is inside an enclosed area. Unfortunately, every time you step inside the train, that’s all you see people doing. There could be a whole family on the train and none of them would say a word to each other until they have to get off. Which, is where the ideas of “identity management” and “self-representation” may start to flood into our minds. It’s very possible that people are so absorbed in their phones, because they’re too shy to have a face to face conversation, especially when it’s on a crowded train where everyone can see. That being said, some may be able to understand why people shape certain identities or roles and control what spectators get to see by using their backstage self. These devices were created to generate connectivity, but it’s actually taking it away. This also creates an environment where people strictly observe their surroundings rather than actively participating in their present space. Unfortunately, with subways installing Wi-Fi in their stations, it’s just creating more of a reason for people to stay lost in that digital world.
Bystanders
Communication in public transportation is generally uncommon to begin with, since the lifestyle in New York City is fast paced and aggressive. However, the growing presence of phones results in even less social interaction. When you enter a subway or bus, the passengers are always on their devices. With Wi-FI being added to the train stations, there will definitely be an increase in cell phone usage. In this article, New Yorkers expressed their discontent and worries over the new subway station feature. Julia Smith stated that she thinks commuters will be even more glued to their phone, and she’s right. People are gradually communicating less in person, but there is still a presence of communication in the digital world. Even though New Yorkers don’t usually engage in conversations on the train, when something intriguing happens, they take out their phones to record it and post it on their social media accounts. For example, often times fights break out on the trains. Instead of breaking up the fight, passengers will record the fight and share it with their friends and family. By doing this, they are becoming the bystanders of the situation. They do not want to personally get involved, but still feel inclined to record whatever is going on. Their motive for posting the video could either be to possibly bring awareness to the issue or to disagree with what’s going on. They want to share it with their digital community. Either way, just posting the video does not suffice. Bystanders are just as guilty as the perpetrators by not speaking up. In some way, they can be interpreted as the “lurkers” of society, which ties into the theory of peer-to-peer surveillance. We are constantly surveilling each other’s movements with the help of our mobile devices.
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