Modern communication – more or less social?

by | Sep 24, 2012 | Opinion

Sixty percent of Lipscomb students polled say they would text before using any other means of communication. A survey from Sept. 10. asked students “When you wish to contact someone, how would you normally do it? (assuming all options are available at the time you want to contact them).” The four options to choose from were phone call, text message, instant message (email, Facebook, etc.) or knock on their door (face to face).  A few years ago the polls would have shown different results, but now most Americans, especially college students, carry a mobile phone. Rebecca Clark, a Lipscomb junior, has seen a decrease in the amount she calls and said she has grown maybe too comfortable with texting. “I used to call people a lot more, but texting just seems so much easier,” she said. “I’ve grown used to it, and now I tend to feel more awkward about calling someone. And I’d much rather send a text so I have time to respond, instead of be on the spot.” Judging by the poll results, 60 percent of the time, when communicating, nobody is actually talking. Things like tone of voice and body language are not a factor in a text message, meaning a lot of the time what you say can easily be misinterpreted. President of Lipscomb’s IT Department, Nick Painter, is familiar with this situation. “I can see how most people text instead of call nowadays, but texting is not always the best method,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll text my girlfriend and say something completely harmless, or I’ll be joking, and she’ll get mad at me, or it...

President of AT&T Tennessee speaks to COMMA students on the future of telecommunications [w/ video]

by | Nov 2, 2010 | News Slider

On Monday night, COMMA (Communication Majors and Minors Association) students had their November meeting featuring Gregg Morton, President of AT&T in Tennessee. He spoke on the future of telecommunications locally in the state and nationwide. Morton agreed with common thinking, stating that personal landline telephones are diminishing in American households. “About 30 percent of Americans have cut the cord completely with traditional land-line telephones and have wireless only in their home,” Morton said. Please upgrade your browser Students raised interesting questions about how technology is converging on a various platforms. “The convergence of the three screens (computer, smart phone and television) will continue to be technologically evident,” says Morton. “Consumers will still hold preference for mobility.” The executive reiterated that AT&T provides a strong wireless and broadband service to consumers. Morton emphasized that Tennessee receives the most capital investment from AT&T than any other state in the United States. AT&T is committed to provide network availability for the entire state. He concluded his remarks, saying the future will offer emerging devices with technological advances. For example, pill bottles could notify individuals to take their medications and a dog collar might soon contain a tracking chip, making owners aware of their pet’s location. Being a South Carolina native, Morton graduated from Clemson University’s College of Business and Behavioral Science. The 31-year AT&T veteran is highly involved in the Nashville community, as he is a board member of the Nashville Symphony and chairman of Tennessee Chamber of Commerce. In his role at AT&T, Morton works closely with community leaders and state policymakers to bring the best new technology to consumers. He...

[video] The First Amendment is affecting you right now

by | Sep 21, 2010 | News Slider

A few big names have graced the the Department of Communication and Journalism’s classes this semester. One of those names is Gene Policinski. He is a founding editor of USA Today and has been in journalism since 1969. Currently, he is the vice president and executive director of The First Amendment Center, which seeks to build a better understanding of the First Amendment amongst the people it affects directly every day. Policinski spoke to the Communication Law & Regulation class Monday evening in Ezell about the First Amendment; its implications and its requirements. Watch below for more. Please upgrade your...