In 2010, I traveled to Spain during my first semester sophomore year. Since sixth grade it had been my dream to study abroad and I had finally gathered enough courage to pursue the opportunity. While in Spain, not only was I able to immerse myself in the culture, language and traditions of its people, I was able to use the many rhythms and beats of Spain to understand a very diverse music style. Yes, everyone was a Spaniard, but many stories about Spain’s past and present came to life through its music and helped me to comprehend the various ethnicities that made up this region. At times it was difficult to keep track of each group’s unique music style because the population was so multicultural, yet I knew my problem would soon be fixed because of my IPod Touch.
With my IPod Touch came many advantages. Specifically, I could enjoy the authenticity of Spain, knowing that the music I was downloading consisted of referrals and suggestions from my Spanish friends. Also, their recommendations helped me learn more about the language in a new, creative context, one apart from a classroom setting.
Although the IPod Touch benefitted me globally and ensured my access into Spanish culture, my use of it would be considered provincial because at the time, I only used it to play music. In fact, the IPod Touch can be used in more ways than one because it is both creatively and professionally beneficial. Personally, I use mine for creative purposes. I do not necessarily like touch-screen devices, but their functionalities are amazing and I find it extremely helpful to have all of my music in one, single device. Before IPod’s came about, I had a bunch of CD’s that I always listened to. I would just carry around both my walk man and CD holder whenever I went somewhere. However, when the IPod came out I was elated because I no longer had to carry around CD’s with me and could have every genre, every artist, and every song in one little music box. Also, I am someone who loves every song she hears on the radio, so instead of having to wait hours to hear the song again, I was able to buy the song for $0.99 and it would be mine to listen to whenever I wanted.
The invention of the IPod has had a huge impact on today’s society because now, not only does the IPod exist, but recent innovations have also allowed access to cheaper versions that are just as functional. For example, other types of MP3 players serve the exact same purpose, yet are more affordable and allow for music to be purchased in different places, apart from the iTunes Music Store.
This handy little information box has also made life easier in both the educational and professional world. Applications, or “apps” such as Bing and The Weather Channel, have made getting through our work and school days easier. In class, students are on social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook, while in the workplace, employees are combining their personal workload with their professional ones. Now, bills can be paid online and doctors appointments can be made through a website. It does not matter who you are or where you have to be, “there’s an app for that.”
In addition, more and more colleges and universities are utilizing the technology of “podcasts” for their lectures. Basically, if a student misses a class, or someone just decides to take an interest in a certain field of study, such as astronomy or chemistry, professors are now allowing for their lectures and seminars to be downloaded as “podcasts” from the Itunes Music Store. This allows college students and other curious individuals to listen to these lectures or seminars on the go. This feature is beneficial because it delivers a useful task in a way that works for everyone.
However, this device also has the capability of hurting society in the same way that it helps it, because it carries the same system barriers as any other piece of technology does, making the benefits temporary. The IPod Touch, allows us to go above and beyond for a little while, but it is unreliable because it can stop working at any second. By then, individuals have already become impaired by it. For instance, the IPod Touch is always being updated and improved. This is good, except for the fact that people are constantly finding that their “old” IPods have no way of accessing all of the new features and technology like the new versions can. If someone decides that they want to experience these new installments, they then have to buy a brand-new device, which can be costly. I love that I am able to utilize the features and applications on my IPod Touch to do things instantly and efficiently, but at the same time, society continues to invest millions and millions of dollars into an industry that constantly needs to be updated and tweaked every couple of months.
Technology has indeed shaped the way our world is today. Not only have IPods given society the opportunity to compile and collect their favorite music, but its other useful features have also provided the option of staying informed and connected as often as possible. This piece of technology has truly become the cure for ignorance and the “not-knowing” because it always keeps our society “in the know.” But at times, I wonder what we would do without it. The constant dependence on the IPod Touch is reducing the capability and strength of individuals to complete simple tasks; tasks that were once done by the individuals themselves.
