Day Thirteen, Sam's Entry

We just finished filming our conclusion bit for the video today. We realize we're going to have to write reaction papers as part of the project itself, but we felt like this was necessary as otherwise the film would just end all of a sudden. We came to some interesting conclusions.

The stuff I talked about mostly had to do with how the internet is wearing away at people's personal relationships and their ability to interact with other people face-to-face in a meaningful way. So much of getting to know another person is the way you react to their quirks and physical traits, not to mention the way they talk. This stuff can all get lost in blogs or other text online.

This stuff applies to our generation in particular. We're the ones who are really embracing these new methods of communicating, and it presents an interesting paradox. With just a cell phone, people can be constantly connected to other people, but they aren't really connecting. They're good ways to keep in touch, sure, but it's hard to base meaningful relationships on text messages and facebook wall posts.

Austin talked more about the idea that people are very much afraid of rejection. We don't say hi to people who look interesting on the street or hot girls at parties because we're afraid of what they might say. And that means we're shutting ourselves out of so many different opportunities for such a stupid reason.

In addition, we both came to the conclusion that loneliness is a choice. The only thing keeping you from talking to other people is you. Which is to say, get over that fear of rejection and take a chance. The worst that could happen is you experience an awkward moment, and if that happens, it'll be good practice, because life is just full of them.

I don't want to say too much more because we cover all this in the video, which we will be posting to youtube, in addition to a longer version that we'll display at the project showcase. Stay tuned.