Technology Transformation
With a world filled with cell phones, iPods, and IMs, technology has changed the way students live
By Laura Becker, contributing writer
Posted on April 6, 2006

Walking into a room before class, the sound of text message alerts seem to have become more familiar than the usual chattering among students. E-mail has become the most convenient way to send mail and online chatting and text messaging are slowly replacing telephone calls. A student walking alone around campus is most likely jamming to an MP3 player or gabbing on a cell phone, and it is not rare to find groups of people where everyone is fiddling with their cell phones instead of talking to each other.

While all of this new technology is fun and convenient, it seems that the common practice of instant messaging and text messaging is having a negative effect on oral communication. Take, for instance, the Facebook group, “Roommates Who Talk To Each Other Online While Sitting In the Same Room (JMU Chapter).” While this is a humorous concept, many people would admit they are guilty of chatting online with people that are only 10 feet away. In a world where easy-access technology is a part of every day life, it is no wonder that students fall prey to communicating via the keypad. The pros and cons almost equal each other out. While talking is the traditional form of communication and leaves less room for misinterpretation, text messaging and chatting online are oftentimes more convenient.

Senior Joseph Coote, a study abroad student from Australia, was shocked by JMU’s technology trends.

“When I first got here, I was surprised at how much people used [technology], and I was a bit overwhelmed,” Coote said. “Everyone on campus seems to have an iPod or a flip phone. In Australia, iPods are becoming popular, but most people still use a CD player. It made me want the same stuff, but it’s too expensive, so I try to avoid it.”

It could be argued that MP3 players are more convenient due to their size and the fact that they have a greater storage capacity, which allows for diversity in music. iPods can even hold text and movie files, depending on its amount of gigabytes. Although new and exciting, technology comes with a hefty price tag. Because of old habit, some JMU students use CD players to listen to musicwhen walking around campus.

“iPods are a couple hundred dollars, and I don’t think they’re worth it, personally,” freshman Tyler Deputy said. “When I’m walking to class I can only listen to a couple different songs, and most of the CDs I [own] have a couple good songs on them. I carry it in my hand and it’s usually not inconvenient, because I carry everything else in my backpack, so my hands are free.”

As Coote mentioned, MP3 players are extremely popular on JMU’s campus. They can be put to use when walking to class, exercising and driving, and owners have the choice of what they’re going to listen to.

Sophomore J.R. Mondell appreciates having the advantages of owning an MP3 player.

“As an avid music fan, I am constantly listening to music, so any chance I have had to take my music with me on the go I have taken,” Mondell said. “I have an extensive music collection and now instead of having to search through my CDs or carry a huge case around with me, I can just search for the song, artist or album I’m in the mood for and play it. [Plus], I can run with my MP3 player without worrying about the music skipping.”

Technology is ever changing. While text messaging, instant messaging and MP3 players are all the rage right now, it could be only a matter of years before these forms of communication are replaced by new technology.