The Medium is the Massage
First of all I would like to point out the fact that I thought the title was “The Medium is the Message” until I was halfway through – when I was confused the most and went back up to the first page. I think having that title in mind initially set me off to the right grounds as it makes more sense to me than using “Massage.”
“The Medium is the Massage” still conveys a timely message 50 years later. Although published in the 60s, it is still relatable as it talks about the power of media and technology as they coexist with man – or rather help man exist. It says, “All media are extensions of some human faculty – psychic or physical,” to which I agree the most. However, it saddens me a little knowing that this phenomenon keeps getting more and more prevalent as I actually abhor what some media do to us, man. Overall, “The Medium is the Massage” sharpened my awareness about various media’s pros and cons. Stylistically speaking, I do not like how it is written and the overall look of the reading. Something about random abstract images and mirror texts, to name a few, do not appeal to me. I know that they symbolize things but I can’t help but label them in this case as “hipster” ways to be creative. I am just saying that it could have been creative in a more tasteful manner.
Yes, media help us live easier and faster than living without them. However, I think some media also have derogatory effects to the human race. This reading got me thinking about how media detach human bonds by making people think that they can sustain themselves without the comfort of others’ companies. I pictured people glued to their TVs, phones, computers, or tablets, instead of enjoying life offline. It is seriously alarming to see lifestyles change towards the selfish independence. With these being said, I partly disagree to the reading where it says, “Electric circuitry profoundly involves men with one another.” I would replace “profoundly involves” with “has the ability to involve.” I imagined instances when I physically hang out with people who chat with other people online or are all over different social media – so rudely ridiculous.
It is a love-hate relationship I fostered with this reading. I think I need a “Massage” now.