Most people will agree that too much of
just about anything – including digital media – is bad for you.
In this light, consider that the F.A.A. is now seriously considering allowing the use of portable electronics to view media on airplanes during takeoff and landing. The regulation itself makes good sense,
but the motivation behind this policy change is far more interesting:
we now live in a culture where people will get upset if they are not
allowed to view digital media for the ten minutes it takes an
airplane to take off or land. If this policy were not a pain point,
the F.A.A. wouldn't be taking time to discuss it. Now, I get as bored
on airplanes as anyone else, and I also consume at least my fair
share of digital media. But I also believe that if we as a society
can't give up digital media (or nearly anything else) for ten
minutes, we should seriously consider the possibility that we have a
problem with a lack of moderation.
I read an article on this issue as well. I thought it would be cool if we figured out how to allow those devices during takeoff and landing, but I didn't think about it from your perspective. I think its a great observation that its really an issue of whether or not the passengers can be a little patient. In the article I read, there was a pilot who noticed interference during the flight and that interference disappeared for landing. So it looks like those devices might have an effect and we need to keep the regulations. Technology will get more powerful in the future and might transmit stronger signals. I agree with you that we should keep the airline regulation as it currently is.
ReplyDeleteActually, so long as the science works out (which I suspect it will), I have no problem with changing to the new regulation. Heck, I'll probably take advantage of it. I just think the fact that this change is a priority is indicative of a larger problem.
DeleteI thought this was a really interesting point to make. It makes me wonder if we are now viewing our electronics/portable devices as something as necessary as clothing? "What, you want me to do the take off and landing naked!?!?" The mere thought of having to let it go for even a minute seems an absurd breach of privacy. I think we are becoming a dependent people, and it makes me wonder what will be done to limit this in the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is troubling. The article also mentioned that many airplanes already have their interference resistance high enough for in-flight wifi. If they can handle that, then why can't they handle an electronic device in airplane-mode? Those who know this question the supposed need to turn off electronic devices.
ReplyDeleteI think that many people consider it a right to consume digital media whenever they please and when their perceived rights are challenged they feel threatened regardless of the moral implications of their actions. Its sad that we are having trouble waiting ten minuets for social media. Maybe social media is the new opium of the masses.
ReplyDelete