As mentioned in class and demonstrated by the class annotations, the article “Welcome to the Post-Text Future” by Farhad Manjoo can be seen as controversial and provocative. The impact of video and audio on the internet is prevalent across generations that use digital technology. I feel that the ability to express yourself and being able to connect with others through video and audio is an amazing innovation and a great way to communicate, whether that be in conversation, artistically, or for entertainment purposes. However, it does have its limitations.
One question raised was whether the decline of text and increase of audio and video is due to our generation’s lower attention spans or if our attention spans are lower due to the advancement of technology? I believe that many people usually assume that the advancement of digital technology has impacted our attention spans. Through reading this article, it made me question the argument the other way around. Are there other factors that have contributed to the decrease of our attention spans and in turn impact our preferences for certain types of media online?
Another point was the reference to the parasocial relationships, or the emotional connection people may form with public figures that they don’t know personally. This is often seen with fan culture, whether that be towards their favorite artists, streamers, or other celebrities. As stated, “Meanwhile, social media showered every multimedia creator with a potential audience, and it allowed the audience to connect and discuss the work, deepening fans’ relationship to levels of obsession.” Although being able to connect with celebrities or content creators can be beneficial for some, reaching a certain point of obsession can be harmful to both parties.