DCC Capstone '21
Technology and Communication
Increased Use of Technology
Data analytics show that since the pandemic, there has been a shift in how we use technology and social media. Before the pandemic, PMG (an media strategist for brands) claimed that there was a decline in organic content on social media (post, photos, videos, stories, etc), but since the pandemic, we see a reverse where there’s an increase in organic content and decrease in paid content (ads) (Zheng, 2020). People have been expressing themselves on social media on apps like pinterest and other creative content apps. The article also stresses the importance of brands keeping in touch with consumers via social media. Zheng’s article acknowledges that there has been an increase in engagement across lots of popular platforms like instagram, twitter and reddit and that in-app messaging has increased as well as the use of livestreaming due to it’s interactive features.
Digital Fatigue
Due to social distancing protocols, there has been an increase in video conferencing/zooming and remote work which has had many mental and physical consequences that many of us experience.
Some causes of fatigue stem from:
Information and cognitive overload during video conferencing: There are many stimulus that the brain has to process, this may include the constant checking of our camera and mic to make sure it’s in the correct position and function, exaggerating gestures to make sure you’re clearly communicating through the screen, focusing on your meeting online while simultaneously keeping an eye on a young child or pet, and much more. This constant multitasking reduces focus and can be mentally taxing when you’re doing it on a daily basis.
Reduction of mobility: Video conferencing doesn’t generally allow for movement as the computer/camera is positioned in the same spot. It’s said that “physical activity is associated with about 40% reduced risk of fatigue,” so sitting at your computer for hours working and in video calls may be the cause of your increased fatigue (Lee, 2020).
Eye strain: Video calling or just working online for extended periods of time without break can cause eye strain which can make you tired and make it harder to concentrate.
Digital Divide: Access and Usability
Certain demographics such as the elderly have been disproportionately affected by the learning curve of using technology and this has greatly affected how they communicate with their family members and friends (Yurieff, 2020). The article demonstrates this through the experience of a grandma with a hearing disability. She talks about how she gave up using one type of communication (video calling) for something she was more comfortable with (email). This article addressed how it can be harder for older generations to adapt to the new situation with technology (not being tech savvy and having to make social media accounts to connect with others). It also discusses the reasons it’s important for them to have this connection (being isolated and alone in assisted living homes- which have been hard hit by the pandemic).
References
Lee, J. (2020, November 17). “A Neuropsychological Exploration of Zoom Fatigue”. Psychiatric Times. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/psychological-exploration-zoom-fatigue
PMG - Digital Agency. (2020, April 28). The Role of Social Media During the Coronavirus Pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.pmg.com/blog/the-role-of-social-media-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
Ramachandran, V. (2021, February 23). “Stanford researchers identify four causes for ‘Zoom fatigue’ and their simple fixes”. Stanford News. https://news.stanford.edu/2021/02/23/four-causes-zoom-fatigue-solutions/
Yurieff, K. (2020, April 17). FaceTime dance parties and digital picture frames: How people are staying connected to their grandparents. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/17/tech/grandparents-technology-coronavirus/index.html