Hypertexting

James Sonoski raises several intriguing topics in his article entitles Hyper-readers and their Reading Engines. Sonoski contends that technology has been moving at such an accelerated pace that a normal person can not keep up with the new demands. He illustrates this point by discussing the relationship between hypertexting and reading in manuscript form. Normal human perception has been focused on reading through manuscript for thousands of years. Switching to reading from a digital screen fairly quickly is troublesome to those not used to it. I believe that this situation can be rectified by the upcoming generation. This generation has become accustomed to reading text on a computer screen instead in a book.

Another interesting observation I gleaned from Sonoski’s article was the idea that computer technology will eventually become an essential component of modern society. It will exercise considerable control over our lives even though we may be unwilling to convert to such demands. Sonoski makes this clear by stating, “We cannot on the conventions that governed the reading practices of the previous generations.” Our society is shifting dramatically to emphasize more computer-based programs. We, as individuals, must do the same. However, I do not believe that we will eventually have computer overlords controlling every aspect of our lives (a horror story derived directly from Asimov’s writings), but it is an interesting point.

Another compelling argument I got from the article is the principle that most communication has lost its meaningful component. Today’s texts ramble on about the benefits and promises but it only means to speak to gain something valuable from yourself, whether it be money or a vote for office. Soon texts will eventually become flashier and have less meaning to them than written text. Others and myself fear, eventually, there will come a time when all value is lost from hypertexts or any type of communication and viewers will only be interested in the visual appeal. Even now the pitfalls of modern communication become evident.