The Medium is the Massage

After taking a gander of McLuhan's book The Medium is the Massage in class on Thursday I found a lot of the images and captions really stimulating. I went to the library and checked out so I could get a closer look at it and really appreciate the book. On one of the first pages I read, (also a page of the handout we received in class) I found a really cool quote. "It is impossible to understand social and cultural changes with out a knowledge of the workings of media" (p 8).

This quote goes along with McLuhan's idea that one of the major components of the generation gap between adults and teenagers is the fact younger generations are more aware of technological advancements over adults; separating them culturally from one another. Even though McLuhan's book was composed in 1966 this is still apparent in society today. Even at home, the only reason my Mom has even heard of Facebook or knows how to use AIM is because her children are constantly using it. I can't even imagine if we weren't around, she would still be using a type writer I swear! It's almost painful to watch her write an e-mail, I have to leave the room or else I just end up writing it myself. However, I can't help but feel like the tables are turning on myself. Even I experience the gap between the younger generation's grasp of technology versus my own generation. There is so much crazy technology my own younger siblings inform me on, and some of it they have to teach to me. And it goes beyond technology, they are "in the know" about all of the stupid pop culture and "fads" that go on that I am completely oblivious to! Do they know about all of this cultural garb because they are constantly an extension to so many types of modern technology? At 22 years old, am I starting my downward spiral into the age of ignorance? The inability to even figure out how to use a fancy toaster?! O dear...I guess the only remedy is to keep "in the know" whatever the cost!