A Day In The Life

When reflecting on the media habits I have developed, I find I am quite media dependent, but not anywhere near harmful or extravagant. I will watch television for some downtime, or watch the weather for rain or freezing temperatures (which are not uncommon these days).  I like music and movies just as all the generations before, expect it is now so much more accessible then it used to be. When all my media uses are looked upon, the use of my computer and cellphone dominate all other forms of media because they are the tools that connect me to the media.  

Television may be a source of entertainment or easy news, but it is not a necessary item in my day-to-day life.  I love to watch certain shows, such as The Office (which I never miss if I can help it) and I always watch CNN for news, but it is not as vital to me personally as my phone and my computer.  

My phone is the biggest attachment because it does allow me to connect with the outside world, and it is it's own form of media.  It is a connection to media. It also is a easy way to talk to family and friends around the United States and to keep me informed of their news as well. 

The computer is different in a sense of what kind of media it brings me.  It is a Mac computer, so that in itself is a public form of advertisement for Apple products that I am happy to support.  It also connects me to the Internet, where I check my email many times a day, whether for important school updates, or the latest Facebook message.  The Internet is defiantly a huge form of media that I access every day. I would not say I was addicted to any of these gadgets that connect me to different medias, but they have changed the way I live and it is nice to have the options because they are so readily available.  

Watching movies is also the most frequent way I pass the time, so the television and computer are easy ways to watch whatever I choose, when I choose.  Computers make it possible for on-the-go viewing, and my television offers a widescreen presentation on a bigger scale.  Movies are the biggest specific media form I use, and I can't imagine not having this particular form of entertainment.  I will not go as far to say I could not live without them, but it is a form of media that can educate, instruct, entertain and move anyone who watches them.  The same goes to music as well.  I use music to elevate my mood, get me moving, and share with friends.  We all associate music with different things, as well as all other forms of media.

These media routines were established by habit, personal interests and how I was raised.  I have gotten into a habit to using my phone because I have had a cell since I was in seventh grade.  I first got one from my parents to be used for safety when I went on bike rides, or stayed late after school, and although I still have it for safety, I now use it to connect to media as well.  Movies and music are based off a personal interest and the interaction with other people with similar interests.  

The habits people establish can tell a lot about them, and when I look at my personal interests and habits, I see that although I am defiantly dependent, I am only that way because I am used to it.  I do not know of anything else, and nor do most people of our generation.  We say we can't live without our phone or computer, but I think everyone knows that is an over reaction.  Just how obsessed I, or anyone else, is is based off of what we are used to, what we are exposed to and how we perceive the necessities of our chosen media.