In the text book we are reading for our class, in chapter 8 there is a discussion question that many might not wanted to ask them... so I'll ask it.
Do you ever describe yourself as an 'addict' of a media form (TV programme, media magazine, novel)?
When I hear the term addict, my thought process automatically associates the term with drugs and alcohol. However, there are so many other aspects of life in which people can be 'addicted' to something. Whether it's food or fitness, people have become 'obsessed' (for lack of better terms) with such activities, so it is not far-fetched to assume that people could become dependent on outlets such as TV or even computer sites like Facebook and other social networking channels. There are formal and informal definitions of the term ‘addict’, but in many cases the usage of the word is serious. Personally, I could find myself becoming ‘addicted’ to Facebook, in by addicted I mean not being able to go a day without checking my profile and constantly thinking about who posted what where. Luckily, I have enough will power (and life) to restrain from going on Facebook everyday, multiple times a day. I have seen people become ‘addicted’ to Facebook and other media forms like video games and television shows. Will anyone be willing to admit that they may be addicted to such media texts?
I, sadly, am basically addicted to facebook. It allows me to connect with people while doing a lot of other things online and on my computer, etc., but it's still an addiction. For the most part. There are times, however, when it becomes a massive procrastination-engine, which really sucks when I have a lot of work to accomplish. Fortunately our class is online, ergo I can accomplish much while surfing facebook (provided I don't become overwhelmed by ennui and procrastinate some more). It's good to see that you have the willpower to ignore this side-effect, but sadly, the internet (facebook in particular) has become one of my tethers to the world and, after all, I live in the world (thank the gods I still work and go out like a normal human being!).
ReplyDeleteHa ha.. well at least while you work and go out you are not sitting there on your phone while the rest of the world is socializing and doing their jobs... or are you ;)?
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