Overall, ICTs are definitely a huge part of my life. Unlike many people previously feared, ICT use has not gotten rid of face to face communication completely. Yes, it does substitute for some face to face communication, but at the same time it allows for so much more communication overall. Thanks to my cell phone, Facebook, and/or MSN no matter how trivial the content, I still can interact with a far greater amount of people if I could only communicate F2F. It would be unrealistic to think that people could live without face to face communication. Even with all of the devices that have replaced humans, a lot of them still rely on us as a secondary source (like the blood pressure machines). A lot of the time I have questions that google can't answer, and I need to ask a real life human being!
I think its interesting how my cell phone acts as a doorbell, alarm clock, pocket watch, planner, reminder, and communicating device all in one. I know a lot of people that don't wear a wrist watch because they carry a cell phone in their pocket daily. Even though I rely on text messaging to meet up with people or to catch up briefly, it has not replaced the phone call. Its really handy if you have a short message but in depth conversations through text messaging causes trouble. First of all, just like MSN text messages DON'T convey tone or importance. I know people who would have marathon battles through text message and this amazes me. I can't remember one thing I've sent two messages before if somebody responds in between. For school and work I find that email is one of the most important things to communicate. Email seems more formal because its a more casual form of letter writing, but people still ask you to use correct email etiquette. A professor for one of my classes spent 20 minutes explaining the rules of email. I think that instant messaging, Facebook messaging or groups provide accessible means of communication and are far more casual (and less work) than an email. I also use last.fm to find new music, but I don't really use the messaging feature. Its mostly for the cool charts and recommended artists suggestions.
Overall, I noticed that I am probably on the Internet too much, but my cell phone use is extremely limited. I rely on my cellular phone to make short term plans, like getting in touch with someone at school or calling for a ride from the bus stop. My computer is needed for work communication, school, and social communication although i probably spend too much time on Facebook. I don't even do much, I just have the constant urge to check it and read my news feed no matter how useless it is! MSN is my essay writing lifeline so I know I'm not the only one struggling to survive at 3am, and for quick catching up with friends. Without ICT's, the information or network society would not really be possible. Especially things like twitter that can be used for simple purposes, for building a career, or discussing major issues. They allow such a variety of information to be communicated that I can't see any other way of transmitting information. Imagine only being able to talk to someone far away by snail mail. Not possible after experiencing the convenience of today's ICTs.
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