If you forget to post a life event online, did it really happen? Such a philosophical question is the basis of this episode of Persuasion. Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson talk about our use of online platforms as a sort of repository for all of our life happenings, big and small, how they become an external hard drive for preserving memories, whether images or words, for all-eternity. But whatever we fail to record will be missing from our online historical record, in essence, it’s as if it didn’t happen. This generation’s use of a technological memory presents all sorts of quandaries and questions. Technology is forming us to be a certain kind of people… do we even know what we are becoming?

An NPR article points to our desire for “digital transcendence”—a way of interacting in the world that cements our identities online, where we create the life we long for using our own hands… attached to a smartphone. Such devices are merely “digital extensions” of our selves and our minds, for who would we be without them? Do we know how to call loved ones? Do we know how to navigate highways or country roads? Do we lose a sense of joy without the digital cheers after posting photos of a delicious meal or the discovery of a beautiful place? Are we trying to capture a sense of self in ways that will forever elude us? Listen in to all this and more, and then continue the conversation on Twitter @PersuasionCAPC or in the CAPC members-only community on Facebook. Be sure to answer our question of the day: What part of online interaction is least satisfying for you?

Links from the Show:

Welcome to the Age of Digital Transcendence, NPR

Smartphones and How They Change Us: An Interview with Alastair Roberts

How the Mom Internet became a spotless, sponsored void, Washington Post

 

Did you enjoy this episode of Persuasion? Give these a listen:

Persuasion 116: Beyond Digital Discipleship with Winn Collier

Persuasion 70: Doing 10 Minutes of Nothing Each Day

Theme music by Maiden Name.

 

Avatar for Jonathan Clauson

Jonathan Clauson

Jonathan Clauson (Podcast Producer) started his career with Clear Channel radio in the late 1990s as a producer and on-air talent. He later graduated from Full Sail University with a degree in Film & Video Production. After obtaining one IMDB credit to his name, he went to work for EA Sports Tiburon in Orlando, Florida. He is currently the Podcast Producer for CaPC, Christianity Today, and Love Thy Nerd and the host of #The25 for CaPC.
Twitter