In today’s blog of documenting my media use, I’ll be looking at how I use media for information purposes. For me this side of my media use is rather boring as its usually associated with work of some sort. However I’m very grateful for it because without it, my life would be a lot more difficult. One app that makes my life a lot easier is the PTV app. I mainly use this app to see what times my buses and trains are coming. Part of the app allows you to plan your journey with the user selecting a date, time and mode of transport. I use this every time I catch public transport to avoid any unnecessary waiting time. It also alerts the user to possible service disruptions. I’ve become very dependant on this app and don’t think I would fare well navigating public transport on my own. It’s interesting to note the ways in which we become very dependable on technology. I often hear of people doing tech detoxes to help bring them back to reality. Whilst I admire their bravery, I don’t think this is something I could ever do or need to do. Perhaps people who strongly feel they need to reconnect with the world have recognised how caught up with media they are and image the feel they need to portray. I don’t think my media use has reached the point of obsession yet but I’m certainly dependant on the informational services I use.

Other informational services I have used today are Google/Google Scholar, my baking app and checking my roster through my emails. It’s crazy to think that without these, I would have to go to a library, a bank and my place of work. Those activities would consume a good portion of my day and leave little room for, well, watching Youtube and scrolling through Facebook. Perhaps I do need a tech detox after all…or not.