Title
Mobile Phones and the Breakdown of Face-to-face Communication: Kierkegaard's Call to Friluftsliv
Conference Level
Undergraduate
Location
University of Windsor
Start Date
March 2015
End Date
March 2015
Abstract
In this paper, I address the negative side effects on face-to-face communication and well-being resulting from our continual use of mobile-mediated technology (MMT). I consider these consequences by drawing on Søren Kierkegaard's deductions on deficient communication, and discuss one remedy he suggests: a closer relationship with nature. However, technology is so ubiquitous in the modern age that the prospect of escaping it, is nearly futile. In response, I offer a solution from the ideology of friluftsliv, which views a regular relationship with nature as a way of getting in touch with one's natural human identity and restoring balance in life. I draw parallels between friluftsliv and Kierkegaard's ideas on nature and walking for curative purposes. I argue that the answer to our problem is not to shun technology, but to experience a regular relationship with nature as a way of offsetting its harmful effects.
Included in
Mobile Phones and the Breakdown of Face-to-face Communication: Kierkegaard's Call to Friluftsliv
University of Windsor
In this paper, I address the negative side effects on face-to-face communication and well-being resulting from our continual use of mobile-mediated technology (MMT). I consider these consequences by drawing on Søren Kierkegaard's deductions on deficient communication, and discuss one remedy he suggests: a closer relationship with nature. However, technology is so ubiquitous in the modern age that the prospect of escaping it, is nearly futile. In response, I offer a solution from the ideology of friluftsliv, which views a regular relationship with nature as a way of getting in touch with one's natural human identity and restoring balance in life. I draw parallels between friluftsliv and Kierkegaard's ideas on nature and walking for curative purposes. I argue that the answer to our problem is not to shun technology, but to experience a regular relationship with nature as a way of offsetting its harmful effects.