The Dark Side

In Don Tapscott’s book, Grown Up Digital, Tapscott shows some of the negative associations scholars associate with the youth of today. Although Tapscott does not agree with the issues presented, they are very valid and have raised much concern. Tapscott expresses the views of Jean Twenge, a professor who studies narcisim. Twenge reviewed the results of the Narcissitic Personality Inventory given to college students over the years. She believes that there is a definite increase of Narcisism among students from 1980 to 2005. One of the main characteristics Jean Twenge focuses on is narcisism in the Net Generation caused by the internet. She believes that there is a direct corelation between technology and the increase of narcisim. She believes that social internet sites promote narcisim because they are “attention seeking.”

I have mixed feelings on Twenge’s views. I think that the internet certainly does not help narcisim in any way, but on the same token, I do not think that technology is the source of narcisim in my generation. Social networking sites are there to stay connected with your friends who you would not stay in contact with otherwise. Certainly, some people look into sites like Facebook and take them to another level in terms of narcisim, but that could just be their personality. Therefore, I believe that if anything, social networking shows who is narcisitic.

Texting Acceptable in Theaters?

I know that I, as well as many others, am guilty of texting in theaters. While I text, I usually try to hide my phone because it is not appropriate. Although text messaging is not appropriate in many theaters, some theaters are starting to not only accept, but embrace text messaging during a performance.

This trend is quickly growing. Recently, certain theaters have begun to encourage viewers to text message during plays and intermission. This is not regular text messaging though, it is feedback for their play. By using text messaging as a resource, producers are able to get instant feedback during their play, and they can utilize this information.

Museums as well as plays have started using text messaging as a way to get feedback from their customers. During tours, people will rate pieces of art and tell museums what their favorite display is.

This form of text messaging is only the first stage of a growing trend. You may soon become part of an audience encouraged to text during a performance, or when visiting a museum.