4-5 pages

COMM 143 - Assignment #2 Personal Media and Log

Most people are unaware of just how much media they consume. It is important to be aware of the type of media you use, how much of it you use, and the effect that it has on you. You will address the positive and negative aspects of their personal media use. Each student is to select a 48-hr period during the week of October-4th to keep a detailed record of how much time you are spending with different medium, and the purpose of the media use (recreation, while studying, etc…). Next, I ask that you GIVE UP AND NOT USE your favorite medium for the next 24 hour period. I get that you can’t give up your phone or computer but be creative… maybe no texting, or no facebook, etc.

After keeping your log, you will analyze it’s contents. You will write a 4-5 page paper and discuss the following.

1.) Provide an analysis of your media technology use – the range and extent of it – by referring to your media log. This is a good place to explore the general process of tracking your media use for five days and any observations about it. Do not simply summarize the numbers from your log pages. Think about them. Analyze.

2.) Regardless of time spent, which medium is your most preferred and why? Address the conditions in which you normally use your favorite medium (alone, with a friend, in a group, etc., and at what times). If that particular technology stopped working tomorrow, how would it affect your life?

3.) Explain what you derive from media technology in general and your preferred medium in particular – what needs seem to be fulfilled?

4.) Tell me what technology chose to give up (to make it extra clear, make it boldface) and explain what it was, specifically, that you gave up. Discuss other types of media or activities you replaced that medium with, if any.

5.) Address how difficult it was to give up one technological medium for two days.

· Was it harder than you thought it would be?

· Did the particular days you gave it up matter in any special way?

· Did not using your favorite medium affect your interpersonal relationships with others?

· If so, how and why – was it because you felt bored, anxious, out of touch, or something else?

· How might increased awareness of your general media comsumption habits change them going forward?