Aaron D. Neufeld

Aaron D. Neufeld- BLOG #31- ‘The Medium Is The Message’

Over time, it is becoming more and more clear that the medium of technology not only delivers messages from one space to another, but in fact is the message itself. Way of life changes due to the advent of newer technologies.

The medium in fact helped me connect with my current girlfriend. One night I rode to her house late at night when her family was most likely asleep. Back in the day, someone would toss some pebbles at her window in order to gain her attention because calling the house phone would wake up the family. I sent my girlfriend a text reading, “Due to modern technology, there is no longer a need to throw pebbles at your window.” Moments later, my girlfriends head popped up in her window and we were able to talk. The message here wasn’t only the content of the text message I sent her, but more importantly, it was the actual text message itself.

Programs such as iChat, Skype, Oovoo, etc. enable video chatting which is becoming second nature. People no longer appreciate the fact that they can speak with someone face-to-face, immediately. No longer must we take the time to even dial phones to reach people. One simple click and we can have virtual meetings. The content only matters once the contact is established. The contact comes from the medium. The medium is the message.