We live in a generation in which our voices can be heard at any time of any day. We use our social media platforms to express ourselves, to inform others, to show the world that we exist. We have access to any format of news at any time. During times of tragedy we show our sympathy through hashtags and filters. Our voices are in the palms of our hands, available to us at anytime. But what happened to our real voices? What have we lost in the process of only using our Internet voice?
When was the last time you wrote a letter? Or called someone on the phone? Told someone happy birthday in person? Gave them a real hug or kiss instead of an emoji? Sat and had coffee instead of texting throughout the day? Looked at the stars instead of texting late at night? Told someone you were sorry for their loss to their face while their grief was in front of you? Told them they were beautiful instead of giving them a like on Instagram? Read a book instead of using Sparknotes? Hand wrote an essay instead of typing it? Went to the movies instead of watching Netflix? Laying out the cards to play solitaire instead of downloading an app? Went to the library instead of reading an E-book? Used your words to express emotions instead of your typing?
The irony is that I’m typing about this. On my laptop. For an online media outlet. In a very hypocritical fashion. Because this is one of the only platforms on which I can express myself to an audience in more than 140 characters. No one gives speeches anymore. Or nails their beliefs to a door. Technology has given so much, but taken so much away. And I say this on a piece of technology while you read this on a piece of technology.
What I propose is silence. I believe there must come a time when we silence voices that have no value. Silence ourselves when we have the urge to tell the world what we ate, wore, saw, did or felt on a particular day. We show real emotion. We use our 140 characters to show our deep sympathy. We write out long messages to our loved ones. We speak about the injustices of the world and try to educate.
Because Twitter does not convey passion, we must use our imaginations as we read these messages in order to hear the words that people are using to express themselves. We must use this amazing technology to our full advantage. And not use it when it is not necessary. Our voices must be used in moderation, despite the accessibility of all online formats.
I am talking about the real world through the Internet. I am using my voice to tell you to use your own in moderation. The world is a paradox, but we must figure out how to escape it. We must choose what we value. We must choose how to use our voices.
