GEN 200
September 14, 2011
Technology responsibility is an ethical and personal responsibility of an individual. Technology has become an integral part of everyday life in the workplace and in many individuals’ personal social networks. Most individuals touch their smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops more than they touch their spouse or loved one throughout the day. Phone calls have been replaced with text messaging and hand written thank you cards have been replaced with email messages. Communicating face to face or on the telephone has become somewhat of an inconvenience. The continual advancement in technology will reinforce the need for individuals to take responsibility for the possible barriers and distractions that technology can induce on a work or personal environment.
In the workplace, technology is a necessity and communicating effectively via email can be a challenge at best. Why do I need to send an email or text message to my colleague that sits two offices away? Can’t I just get up out of my seat and talk face to face to Joey? I fell that the most important part of communication is being in tune with your audience. How can you know if your audience understands you if you are putting your demands on an email? Do you see their body language? Can you see their distant stares? Is the person you are trying to get your point across to not listening? These are a few anecdotes that cannot be avoided if you are communicating in person with a colleague or supervisor.
Individuals also need to exercise some personal responsibility in the classroom as well as the workplace. It is very easy to get sidetracked by the buzzing of your electronic device while the instructor is giving a lecture, I know I have been a victim of quickly checking my phone for messages in class. I feel it is a student’s responsibility to turn off all electronic