Mobile Computing News

Photo: Apple

It seems the Obama BlackBerry hasn’t changed the US Presidents feeling regarding technology, continuing with a theme that ran through his election campaign, in arguing that technological overload takes away from democractic interaction.

Distraction and diversion

Speaking in Virginia, at Hampton University, Obama cited gaming consoles (Xboxes) and social networks (Twitter), as well as smartphones (the iPhone) as being part of the 24/7 information overload young people are burdened with. He argued that at this volume, ‘information becomes a distraction… a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment’.

Photo: Twitter

He also argued that simple messaging services, citing Twitter specifically, put pressure on democracy meaning ‘some of the craziest can quickly claim traction’. This democratic disequilibrium (from Obama’s perspective) is putting pressure on the youth and the country.

The other side of the coin

Some, on the other hand, argue platforms like Twitter allow for media liberation, with the common man’s ability to spread meaningful messages that ‘quickly claim traction’ are a means of keeping politicians and democracy honest.

The irony of a BlackBerry packer

Obama, who ironically gained much praise for how his team implemented social networks, particularly Twitter, to get into the most powerful seat in the world, has long been anti-gaming. His past arguments have been directed at parents, encouraging them to put away the gaming consoles so that their children can get back to achieving.

Photo: Microsoft

A second irony regarding President ‘I don’t know how to work an iPhone’ Obama is he very publically requested he be allowed to bring the Obama Blackberry into office with him. Given the technical know-how required to operate a BlackBerry is, at most, equal to that of operating an iPhone, that statement is odd.

What he means

Though it’s easy to rip into President Obama BlackBerry for trying to come across as technologically aloof, his argument for better engagement cannot be denied. We are distracted with too much useless information, much of which is difficult to filter for importance or relevance.