Just as a recap: my piece is about how technology affects relationships. Deciding which types of sources that I wanted to use and what role I wanted them to play in my piece was a slightly difficult process. Sure, there are a bunch of sources out there discussing technology, but there are far too many to choose from. Within seconds into my search, I was on the TED website pilfering through presentations by scientists and everyday people from around the world. Scanning through about ten different videos, I collected multiple short clips capturing presenter's thoughts about the future of technology. For instance, one presenter says "your previous understanding of what's possible is different" while another says "it threatens the flow of love." By collaborating the ideas of other people, I feel as if the piece will be more powerful yet, at the same time indecisive -- what perspective am I, as the writer, taking on the subject?
I intend, also, to find sources or ask friends of mine to recall favorite childhood (or general life) memories. Not only will these personal stories add a sense of sincerity to the piece, but I also believe that they will elegantly contrast the TED Talk clips as they show how lovely life can be without the interference of technology.
The main focus of my piece is to walk on the fence between agreement and disagreement. I want the listener to decide his or her opinion on their own without my influence.
I'm sure there are some great TED Talks related to technology. I think it'd be great to intermix personal stories of your own and from friends with some more factual and studies-related information. I like that you want the audience to decide how they feel, because that makes it more interesting than if you were telling us how we should view communication technology. Obviously there are pros and cons of technology and the old way of communicating. Maybe you could set up your story like an internal debate in which you're wondering which way of communication is better, noting the opportunities that each way presents.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of how you end up structuring your story or if you decide to really "use" any parts of these sources, I know that TED Talks always have a great deal of insight and information that can bring to light many new opinions and ideas. There are always a ton of them relating to technology as Rebecca mentioned. I think exploring them more, even if you don't directly incorporate them into your story, could definitely benefit the formation of your story.
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ReplyDeleteFirst of all, great idea with the Ted talks. They have some wonderful material.
ReplyDeleteBut I really like the intention, you mentioned, of your story. The idea of letting people decide on their own, and providing sources that actually support both sides. Kind of providing what the listener needs to make his/her own decision. I love that, and think that just causing people to think about these issues is such a positive thing, which I'm sure would be an effect of your piece.
I think TED talks are a great place to start looking for more information into your topic. If you happen to have some extra time on your hands I recommend that you glance over Aziz Ansari’s newest book called Modern Romance. It does a wonderful job at discussing and analyzing how relationships have developed over the last couple of decades. It compares and contrasts how relationships were back before the Internet to the different forms of relationships and their quality now with the advent of technological advancements. The book has many different anecdotes that might be of use to you.
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