Reaction to Mobile Interface Theory

I found it interesting how the author in Mobile Interface Theory spoke about using mobile media as a way to distance people in space, who are actually close in proximity. I always find myself doing this, whether I am on the train, in an elevator, at the bar or any situation where I’m close to people I do not wish to speak to. There is this awkwardness of being close to people we don’t know. They are invading our personal space. Its weird, (and I believe socially unacceptable) to be that close, just staring at each other, not saying a word. As for me, I don’t want to talk to strangers. So, I get on my phone, ipod, anything to keep busy. This makes it less awkward and makes you feel not as close in space.

Also I like how the author also mentioned how mobile media does the exact opposite at times. If I want to distance myself on the train, I’ll listen to Pandora or check my Facebook. However, I can use mobile media to “experience a sense of community and intimacy through the use of these mobile technologies” with people who are geographically distant from me.

Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, IM, Instagram, Blurb Mobile, Skype, Facetime, etc makes you feel physically close in space, to those who are actually far. I can share pictures, write on “walls”, and see my family who live in California. When using these technologies, sometimes I forget they live across the country. I feel close in proximatey to them.