Telephonic Connectivities and The "Third Space" of Electronically Mediated Aurality

 The chapter 'Gender and Early Telephone Culture' by Michele Martin was probably the most interesting chapter from Sterne's book that I've read so far. The first thing that comes to mind when reading this chapter was patriarchy, however moreso in the chapter written by John Durham Peters where he dives into women as telephone operators and the rules they had to work under. As expected, the telephone was created to serve the businessman. The use of the telephone then expanded to women gossipping and chatting. Martin also makes mention of the telephone being instrumental in reducing the 'getting ready' time for ladies. It is important to note that this use of the telephone is still very important for ladies. We set meet up times with our friends and family, discuss outfits and give time estimates all over the phone. In present day however, we now use video calls in some instances. Even though this new technology has been around for a while, women still mostly use voice calls. However, for iPhone users, video calls come in the form of Facetime and the Facetime subculture is another topic in and of itself.

Men's use of the telephone, in some ways, parallels the female's use of the phone in the present day. Even before the pandemic, men have been utilsing the telephone to discuss business, conduct meetings or to 'warm up' a client before a meeting. Back to the point of video calls, businessmen (and women) use the video call feature for all types of business which most time allows businesses to make connections with people all over the world, saving on time and money. However, with the frequent use of this technology in the corporate world, what happens to concepts like networking? Even outside of the corporate world, with the rampant use of voice calls and video calls, what happens to concepts like socialization, romantic dates and spending quality time with loved ones? I do believe in this sense, telephone technology has made a negative impact.



This video I found on Youtube further expounds on my points about the effects of the telephone on society (especially the second half of the video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3mNn0btW6s


Comments

  1. Anthony SorrentinoOctober 9, 2021 at 5:33 PM

    Hi Hannah,
    I believe you brought up some valid points in terms of the “Third Space” of electronic mediated aurality from Michele Martin’s chapter in Sterne’s book. I found it interesting that John Durham Peters stereotyped woman for the way some use their mobile devices and I disagree with it on all fronts. This is because whether you are a male or a female, individuals use devices for the same purposes and that is to communicate, communicate any which way they desire.

    That being said, from the video link you shared the speaker Grant Dillard brought up a very valid point saying that “Verbal communication is a skill that must be practiced” and further said, “verbal communication is a gift which we are all privileged to use to express our most complicated and complex ideas with one another.” This is where I rather play devils advocated to your point that telephone technology has a negative impact on areas such as socialization. Yes, I do agree with Grant, although why can’t the telephone be an extension of verbal communication which can strengthen socialization and networking.

    After a connection is made verbally between two individuals if a telephone can act as a “Third Space” to not just continue conversation but strengthen it, than in reality a relationship should strengthen. Text messages, phone calls, facetimes etc. all allow individuals to verbally communicate and even now zoom meetings have even taken the place of work meetings. Where the productive is at the same level, so if a “Third Space” can connect others outside of a physical space through electronic mediated conversation we should look at it positively not negative in my opinion. As technology can be a space where individuals can sharpen their communication skills.

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