The Martlet

Have we passed the tipping point where we are too reliant on technology? Should we fear a disappearance of our traditional ways — particularly our traditional ways of writing, reading and communicating?

If you find your own messy handwriting is unbearable, digital pens and notepads can help by transforming hand strokes into neat fonts. Is this the same as writing on paper, though? Out of a survey of 36 UVic students, 75 per cent said they preferred taking notes over typing on the laptop. Many think the feel of paper and the brush strokes of writing tools are too familiar for us to let go.

“It’s easier and more convenient to write scientific symbols,” said Par Capani, a first-year science major. “It’s also easier to get distracted when you are on the computer.”

Typing can be faster and neater, but many argue that writing with a pen and paper leaves a stronger imprint in your brain.

Paper may win the competition for note-taking, but educational and social communications are blown away by high-tech winds.

With just one click, you save time on flipping through dictionaries, journals, magazines and books. People are also beginning to grow familiar with the Kindle.

“I love the Kindle. I take it everywhere; it’s like having a library in my purse,” said Katie Barmazel, a third-year anthropology student. “The Kindle is really nice for reading, but for research and things with a lot of pictures, such as travel guides, a physical book is still better.”

At UVic, professors rely heavily on Moodle for class material. For Math 151, students can purchase the electronic book for a cheaper price. Hard or digital copy, each student is obligated to complete homework assignments and quizzes through Mymathlab, an online tool.

With large volumes of students, many professors favour email communication. Some professors choose not to have office hours at all. Grading assignments digitally spares teachers from dealing with loose sheets of paper; students save on printing costs and environmental costs. Outside of the educational realm, technology has moulded the way we communicate, too. Out of a survey of 36 students, phone texts were the most frequently used method for communicating with friends and family (44 per cent). This is not to say we prefer it. Switching to emails, Facebook and texts is certainly efficient, but is incomparable to face-to-face conversations.

“I think social media is very efficient when we don’t have the time or need to meet and to take part in polite conversations,” said Dr. Donald Fetherston, teaching Sociology 100B. “But it’s thin communication and not suitable for important interpersonal issues.”

It is almost impossible to walk into the McPherson Library without seeing Facebook screens or texting fingers. Technology has dialled up speed and work load; we do not have a lot of time anymore, which is why we choose to go the efficient way.

“I use my phone more often, but would prefer to talk face to face,” said Derek Finnamore, a second-year student. There are reasons why we still gather socially: atmosphere, intimacy and opportunities to meet new people. UVic international students can email their parents all year long, but still choose to have Skype video conversations, because it is closer to an in-person encounter.

Will newspapers, books, print magazines, and textbooks all be digitalized in the near future? Will we stand before the graves of Pen and Paper? Will we wipe out social gatherings entirely and become isolated individuals who spend our days in front of screens? Unlikely. Despite our high reliance on technology, and the switch to more efficient ways of communication, paper and pen will not disappear. Face-to-face intimate conversations will continue. Even with online dating, the two sides usually meet in person. When you need to write down a phone number, searching for pen and paper is a natural response.

Don't feel guilty about typing notes on your laptop if it works better for you. Pens and paper are not going anywhere.