When technologies are completely converged, I think there will be even more changes in the habits of the people that use them. On one hand, users will be more informed and connected to the world in a virtual way. I see so many people that are constantly on their SmartPhones or iPhones currently and as the technologies continue to converge, there will be more addictions and disconnects from the real world that surrounds them. “Some people have retreated so much into technology that they are "Internet addicts," and others spend more time in "virtual worlds" than in real life” (Sinrod, n.d.). This same blogger makes note of the safety issues involved with mobile converged technologies. People will become more distracted that they may not be paying enough attention to what they are doing such as driving (Sinrod, n.d.).
Emotionally, convergent technologies will keep people from building character through a physical social life. Interacting virtually is very different from face-to-face contact. Virtually, anyone can be anyone that they would want to be. Face-to-face is a bit different since the contact becomes more personal and real. Social networking is a big part of our world now and affects us by not needing to have that social interaction that was more common prior to social networking. "Nowadays the urge to contact each other over the phone or even face to face isn’t as important because we feel like we are still connected via social networks” ( Thomas, 2007).
Convergence can also affect the workplace in a negative way. “They create distraction, decrease productivity, cost companies money, can jeopardize a company’s reputation and legal liability and for those users who don’t have their profiles set to private can often result in unemployment (Sweeney, 2011). While this statement is referring to social networking, it applies to convergence in general as well. With access to media in one place while working, productivity will go down and some won’t be focused on their work while they are on the clock. I have to admit, I am guilty. A lot of us are where I work – we all post on Facebook during the day at some point or other. It’s just the way it is. I remember when cell phones became common place – they simply were not allowed by any employee while working. They are now everywhere which is the most common example of converged technology.
How would this device change our emotional connection and perceptions of media? I think the more convergent technologies become, the more dependent people will become on their device. I think there are pros and cons and it would simply be a matter of due diligence to find the perfect balance of both face-to-face interaction and a virtual life. This balance can only come from making good choices of when to use them and when not to.
References
WiseGeek. (n.d.). What is technological convergence?. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-technological-convergence.htm
Sinrod, E. (n.d.). The decade of technology convergence. Retrieved from http://blogs.findlaw.com/technologist/2010/01/the-decade-of-technology-convergence.html
Sweeney, R. (2011, April 27). Social networking site; more harm than good. Retrieved from http://networkconference.netstudies.org/2011/04/social-networking-sites-more-harm-than-good/
Thomas, J. (2007). Social Networking Sites’ Effect on Relationships Among College Students RetrievedFrom: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/393599/social_networking_sites_effect_on_relationships.html?cat=41
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