Mediated or Nay?

 

I’m pretty sure the notion has passed through everyone’s mind at some stage. Whether subconscious or deliberate, we’ve all made up our minds at each moment which we prefer. To communicate in front of a living, breathing human or to be on the other end of kilometers of radio waves and copper (or fiber if you’re lucky). This is the question which is constantly reassessed by our shifting whims. I suppose the main factor here is the other communicant… the person on the other end. I mean, you wouldn’t really mind getting the odd text from your folks asking “how the nights going (:” But I’m sure you’d change your tune pretty quick if they turned up at the ahem… um… sensible social gathering you and your pals organized, asking the same thing. So which is better? Mediated and virtual communication or unmediated personal interaction?
As always in this thoroughly decadent and post-modern mush of multiple shades of greying moral codes… it depends. It depends because it works the other way too. Say you know a special curtain someone. And that someone is pretty ok. Indeed, downright fine. There is a limit to how effective those messenger stickers of kittens holding love hearts are. Eventually one, since one is a gentleman, feels the need to take that special someone out. Que a scenario where unmediated interaction thrives. Interestingly, even leaving one’s phone on the table is considered poor date etiquette… actually guys… it’s a real turn off when you get tempted to check clash of clans after the entree. So balance once again rears it zen-like head into the problem of how we should interact in today’s rather strange society.

Cover photos acquired royalty free from  Graphicstock.com. Manipulation by Michael Firus.