Unit 1 Draft

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 Source Analysis #1

"A Pencil Shop, for Texting the Old-Fashioned Way" by Molly Young

Digital Newspaper (New York Times)

The New York Times article titled "A Pencil Shop for Texting the Old-Fashioned Way" by Molly Young explores the newfound use of old writing tools, such as pencils, in a modern age that is overtaken by technology, quick forms of communication, and electronic devices. Although digital communication is rapidly replacing traditional writing tools, the purpose is to explore the ways that other forms such as pencils still manage to remain relevant. There's a clear sense of nostalgia for more meaningful and authentic ways of communication. Young blends in storytelling aspects by learning about the founder of the pencil shop, Caroline Weaver. The imagery used throughout along with the intimate encounters/experiences ultimately symbolizes a longing to slow the fast paced lifestyle and tap back into older personal forms of communication that we seemed to forget about.

The genre is a digital newspaper with a cultural feature aspect to it. The genre is flexible enough to allow Molly to include different forms of research such as interviews, images, descriptions, etc which guides the reader to understand the purpose in a better context. Genre is influenced because this project takes on a ‘human interest’ type of story to accommodate, while blending storytelling elements with cultural appreciation. The intimacy and detailed recounts also make it more profound for the readers to feel connected to. 

I believe that the article is successful at getting its point across, and reminding us of the use of something as simple as a pencil in the digital age. It’s use of storytelling conveys the passion behind our ‘communicative roots’ that some people still uphold to this day. The article also fits into a larger conversation of the evolution of technology and communication by making the pencil seem almost ‘ancient’ and almost as if it's rare to obtain one. In the article, it states “I asked the man why he’d chosen that particular pencil. “Because it’s cool,” he said. ‘And how often can you buy a functional thing from the 1950s in mint condition for $5?’” (Young, 2015).

This also calls upon the act of possibly slowing down, as it appears that technology is moving quickly and causing us to lose our roots. These old traditions shouldn’t get lost in technology, so it is a call to action to remember and honor the simple ways of communication.

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Source Analysis #2

“The Role Of Technology In The Evolution Of Communication” by Sol Rogers

Forbes Magazine

Rogers explores how technological advancements have reshaped communication in the world overtime, from phones to the internet to virtual reality. She illustrates the progression of technology through the following of these ‘communication milestones’ in our history to provide better understanding.

Rogers’ article falls into the genre/category of a tech-focused magazine article, which utilizes past knowledge and information of technology with newfound predictions and innovations. The article is able to compare and contrast new trends and prior innovations like virtual reality for instance, while maintaining an informative tone. Additionally, difficult concepts and terminology pertaining to technology are able to be simplified for an audience of this large magazine company. Since the magazine article isn't biased, it follows a more technological route without any social or cultural commentary.

I believe that Rogers is successful in demonstrating how technology and communication continue to go hand-in-hand in the modern day world, as innovations emerge. Although there is no bias, it appears that there can be evidence found to support the argument that technology has contributed to social progress, especially amongst people with distance. “The internet has made communication easier and faster, it’s allowed us to stay in contact with people regardless of time and location” (Rogers, 2019). There is only exploration into the ways that technology has progressed life with its benefits, and it would’ve been interesting to see a flip perspective surrounding the possible negatives of the high emergence of technology. All in all, she remains neutral and conveys the message about the contributions of technology towards newfound and improved ways of communication.

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Source Analysis #3

Kevin Kelly: How technology evolves TED Talk by Kevin Kelly

Kevin Kelly’s TED Talk explores how technology continuously evolves like an ‘organism’ (personification) and how it never remains static but rather grows due to patterns of growth, creativity, adapting, and more. Through concepts, visual guides, and past technological history, Kelly argues that the evolution of technology is living like that of biological natures, and it isn't something that humans create but rather something that helps them to grow and progress as a whole. 

The genre is a TED Talk which allows Kevin Kelly to be able to freely share his ideas uninterrupted, and with a tone to convey his point to the people in the audience. The tone comes off to be conversational which also makes complex ideas easier for groups to understand, and it makes the content less overwhelming especially given that we discuss the crossover of technology and human evolution/change. By referencing technology as a “living system,” the TED Talk is ironically an example of this.

Kelly’s TED Talk expands the discussion about technology and how it is able to evolve outside of human control. By asserting that "technology gives us more possibilities," Kelly emphasizes the positive impact of innovation day-to-day while the vagueness suggests that the possibility is still very unknown. He calls upon viewers to rethink the way that technology intertwines with human evolution. I ultimately believe he is successful with his conveyance