Time Structure Of A Computer example essay topic

What is the time structure of a computer and, more specifically on-line interactive communities? How does this structure dictate our conformity to the medium and on-line environment and what we gain and / or lose in doing so? When we think of modern day technology, such as computers or 2-way pagers, we know that it is all an effort to save "time". No longer do we have to go to the library for a small amount of information, now we can just log on the internet. No longer do we have to "waste time" going to store to buy products, we can just log on the internet and buy it there.

No longer do we have to pick up the telephone to call a numerous amount of people to convey a message, we just e-mail everyone. So you see, the computer is suggested to be a time saver, a device that allows you to execute tasks more efficiently and more quickly. The time structure of a computer is described as this: "the central processor of the computer contains within it an electronic clock, whose extremely rapid pulses determine when one operation has ended and another is to begin" (J.D. Bolter). This is measured by megahertz or the newest form of speed is called gigahertz. Therefore more tasks can be executed in less time. The computer clock is somewhat similar to a digital clock based on the fact that it can be used to measure duration, determine the present point in time, and can even act as an alarm clock.

The purpose of a clock is to tell time on the outside; however, computer time is internal. The computer has its on time structure when it comes to completing tasks. For example, you might not be able to continue typing a document and save it simultaneously. On the outside, we are looking at the time we have to wait to continue our tasks but in the "computer's micro world" this may be normal time passage. As far as the computer is concerned no extra time has been spent to complete the task. We have too many expectations of the time frame of a computer.

How many times have we bombarded the computer with so much information that is freezes up or crashes? That is because we want everything to occur at that instant. Which in turn results in a high level of anxiety and anger. Let us revert back in time before all of this technology.

A time where completing a task might have taken longer but was easier on our minds and souls. A time before computers, cell phones, pagers, etc. A time when we had to mail letters or hand deliver messages instead of e-mailing. Were we really thinking that we were wasting too much time? It is amazing that in this culture we can actually combine the words "waste" and "time". A student from Eastern Africa stated that where he is from there is no such thing as wasting time.

He says that even if you are sitting around you are still doing something so how can that be wasteful. It is because in American society we are always expected to be moving with a purpose, to accomplish a goal. Whereas in other cultures time is not of importance. They believe that "A mind that is fast is sick. A mind that is slow is sound. A mind that is still is divine" (Me her Baba).

As Levine states even leisure in the United States is planned. We are so afraid of having nothing to do or wasting time that we run to relax, or spend money in order just to do something. This then leads us to on-line communities. How many times have we sat home "bored" and decided to get on the computer and chat to meet new people.

Notice I did not say go out and physically meet new people, but log onto the computer to meet new people. Laziness has definitely become a term common when labeling people in the American society. Instead of calling we e-mail, instead of going out we log on and chat. But then again, some would say it just saves time. If a person has a busy schedule e-mailing might be the only way to communicate with friends and family. Also if someone lives in another country time becomes a factor.

Not necessarily in a negative connotation, but because of time differences the only way some can communicate is through the computer. We also can view cyder communication positively by looking at the way it saves money. It is obviously cheaper to chat with someone in Africa rather than talking to them on the phone. However, how do we view these types of relationships? When people talk one-on-one there is a feeling of "social presence". There is non-verbal communication which sometimes overrides verbal communication.

When talking on the computer, such as using instant messaging, we lose that personable feeling. Not to be able to see the face of the person you are communicating with or touch the hand of that person takes away from the actual conversation. It is said that people have become "de individualized" and we lose or sense of social identity. Theses types of on-line conversations are also influenced by time, especially when dealing with negative situations. When two people are having problems with each other, sometimes it is hard to express emotions when you are looking someone in the eyes, therefore the conflict might take longer to resolve or might never be resolved. However, people tend to be more expressive when they can not see the facial expressions and / or hear the emotions of the other person and so they can spend more time expressing themselves without interruption.

Also by lacking tone of voice, cyder communication be used as a medium of calmness. Allowing people more time to communicate issues without some of the verbal distractions of physical presence. We have to ask ourselves is saving time by using technology breaking down our social skills. Are we still going to be able to communicate effectively face-to-face in the future if most things today, professionally as well as personally, are done in cyberspace? That is a question that is only left up to time.

As the saying goes "time will tell". As far as the way we as Americans rush life, a quote comes to mind: "Slow is spelled with four letters; so is life. Speed is spelled with five letters; so is death" (Darjeeling Himalayan Express). We need to evaluate this quote and realize that time is something comprised of numbers made by man, therefore it should not predict the way we as individuals live life.