Technology v. Writing

Writing is a universal form of communication that has evolved to shape how our world receives information. From hand written to posted on the internet, there is no doubt technology is the main reason for this adaptation. In article “Is it new? Is it multi? Or is it a return: A reflection on the relationship between writing and technology” the author describes three main reasons that determine a connection. Format and design, understanding all the possibilities, and source material are all arguments for the change in writing today.
Rather than simply writing one font in an 8 ½ by 11 square box, the opportunity for creativity in the presence of the writing is endless. While writing on a piece of paper each individual has their own handwriting and cannot change how they write. When typewriters were invented, a generic font was introduced and eliminated change in font between typewriters. Only with the use of a technology found in computers has this been made possible. Prior to putting words on a paper the author must consider what font they will be using. Although for formal essays it is still typical to Times New Roman size 12, the choices for other forms of writing do not end there. Other styles of font are used for creativity or to draw attention to the writing. However, these forms of font tend to be more difficult to use and are avoided in professional writing. The next step in the decision making process is what format the author will be writing in. Technology has allowed the author to design their paper in multiple arrangements. The format is designed through creating text boxes that can be shaped to whatever form desired. This also opens the opportunity for the writer to include multiple passages on a single page, or perhaps leave space for a photo or graph. Being given the opportunity to design the page and passage of writing in multiple ways has given the author unique creativity they were not able to obtain before technology.
The author of article “Is it new? Is it multi? Or is it a return: A reflection on the relationship between writing and technology” stated that, “Literacy via technology involves more than just an ability to negotiate words. A writer must also be able to grasp the compositional possibilities allowed by such a program, which involves technical literacy.” This statement refers to those who do not understand the numerous possibilities offered through technology. Before computers opened the door to technical literacy, writers did not need a manual to layout each step of writing. Today, with so many options to changing the format, font, adding pictures or graphs the author may become confused at where to start. However, in today’s society it is becoming clearly evident that individuals are being taught at a young age how to use technology while writing. Yet, before computers people did not have the technology and are now forced to adapt. Not only is it and adaptation to the paper itself, but ways in which information is found has become as quick as one click of a button.
Source material is the information used to support and fill a paper. In contrast to using library resource, most find the internet their main source of information. Although this may be more convenient there tend to be many flaws. One defect of technology is the reliability of the source. Even if the information is posted to the internet it does not insure credibility and while researching for a paper, writers tend to be mislead by deceiving facts. There is also another flaw when it comes to incorporating the text within the writing and how it should be manipulated. Some information found on the internet should be used for their material properties, while others used for their content. This is difficult to differentiate when the two articles have completely different approaches to a topic. Lastly, it is critical while writing to avoid plagiarism and with so many resources out there it is required to include a works cited that lists each source. Books, journals, and websites are just a few resources that can be found on the internet as a result of technology, must be used correctly when entered into a piece of writing.
Regardless of the level a writer is, all writers can agree that technology has inevitably changed writing. Whether the style or format, technical literacy, or resource the use of technology on computers has opened options to creativity, efficiency, and lack of error. As writing continues to develop through technological change, there will be an importance to continually adapt as a writer. Yet, the importance of this means of communications will remain unaltered.