To begin this post, I would like to reference one of the class readings we had on the article, “Why have zombie stories become so popular in the past 10-15 years?” We discussed the way in which Zoytec suggested the zombie genre can be used as a “blank slate” to fill the shoes of many societal concerns. However, the part of his article that I found most interesting was when he told the readers his favorite explanation for zombie popularity. I found this section so interesting because I can understand and relate to what the author is saying. In fact, I even agree with his favorite explanation. The theory of “unprecedented technological advances and increased globalization” goes along with the “mindless” behavior that zombies possess. With all of the present day technological advancements, humans are becoming completely dependent on their technologies and are using them out of habit to assist them with everyday tasks. For example, having cell phones and computers that contain spell check and auto-correct causing us humans to type mindlessly while the computer fixes our grammatical mistakes and misspellings. The explanation Zoytec referenced also said, “new modes of social interaction and communication” which I interpreted as human’s dependence on cell phones, text messages and emails to communicate with our friends and inner social circle. Not to mention, social networking and media allowing us to be aware and informed on our friend’s lives through pictures and status updates. I feel that the technology dependence developed by our society has become a subconscious part of our everyday lives making us behave like mindless zombies. The more technology advances, the less we humans will need to use our brains while mindlessly operating through the leisure of our devices.
Sorry for this post being long. I just strongly agree with Zoytec’s favorite explanation and wanted to elaborate on why. I’m about to watch the Walking Dead right now but before I do, I want to know: What’s your favorite or what do you find the most reasonable explanation is behind our societal infatuation with zombies?
Thanks and can’t wait to hear from you! :-)
Great now I have to find a new topic...I agree that with today's technology and social media that us as the human race have become more mindless and are dependent on our cellphones.
ReplyDeleteI think that the interest with zombies is the same as any other horror movie or fictional character. It is always fun to think of impossible situations, but the neatest thing about it is that a future disease could potentially make this a reality. A frightening reality at that.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that technology will cause the zombie apocalypse and in a way we as people are aiding in it? Absolutely agree.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part is the social interaction. Pretty soon we are going to be a culture at the mercy of our own creation. Its like facebook frankenstein or somthing of the sort.
The technology point proved itself to me personally earlier today. I was walking out of my residence hall to head to class and I had my headphones in listening to music. As I walked through the lobby of my building I passed three friends of mine, and while I was able to process that they were there, I was so immersed in my music that I just walked straight passed them and through the doors. It wasn't until I was almost halfway to class that the thought occurred to me that I probably should have pulled the earbuds out of my ears and said hello to my friends.
ReplyDeletehttps://cellout2014.wordpress.com/tag/meme/
ReplyDeleteThis post reminds me of the meme in the above link. My husband and I have made attempts to cut back on our technology use. We never pick up our phones, under any circumstance, when we are eating together or if we are having a conversation. I saw this article the other day about cell phone usage and it asked people how many times a day they thought they used their phones and for how long. Most people greatly underestimated the amount of times they spent on their phone and when they were shown, through use of an app that tracks how many times the phone is unlocked as well as how long it stays unlocked, most of the participants were embarrassed. I think that this is an experiment that more people should do, because technology is turning us all into zombies.
Your comment reminded me of "Wall-E", floating around in space with in a wheelchair transit drinking everything from a straw...lol..it could not have gotten more zombie-like. I personally agree with the structured way you and your husband set aside time without cell phones to stretch personal interaction with each other. Time seems to always be of the essence when interacting face-to-face.
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