This week I read the document of Bitman and Nicholas 2019, “Deaf and hard of hearing smartphone use”. I chose this reading because I found the topic to be interesting. The writer spoke on how mobile media affects the deaf and hard of hearing, how there are only so many apps that help them communicate to others and the additional stress mobile phones, apps, etc. add to them.
A study was conducted with 20 in-depth interviews to find how cultural perceptions of disability, communication and technology feed into personal use of smartphones. While interviewing the researchers found that the app called Whatsapp was one of the more popularly used apps between people.
During this reading I learned about how deaf and hard of hearing people feel the pressure to keep up with those who don't have the same disabilities and how many of the apps we use today really hinder how those with disabilities can communicate. Myself being someone who does not have any disabilities other than being a bit visually impaired, I unfortunately never really thought about how those who are deaf or hard of hearing my use the same apps I do. When brought to my attention, I do find it sad and unfortunate that no matter how “smart” our phones are, they do not particularly help those it should be helping. Also that there is a large population of the world who are not included in this mass collective that uses social media, that can easily connect with people all over the world and with almost one touch can access almost anything.
Another thing that I thought was kind of saddening was that many who have this disability felt the pressure of needing to consistently respond to those who are not hard of hearing or deaf. They feel as if those who do not have any disability are so used to receiving almost instant responses that they are impatient. I can definitely see where they are getting this from. Many people I know become upset if you do not respond quick enough or people think you are upset with them if you do not give them an answer. I think it is sad that this is a norm in our society and that there is not a lot of room for patience. I would like to think that people who are hard of hearing or deaf should not have to worry about making others upset or people thinking less of them for not being quicker at responding. Smartphones, social media and apps have made it a very weird world we live in currently and the instant response culture that has been created is very toxic. I am hoping one day it will change but as things get faster and information can be downloaded faster, I am not sure if that will be a possibility.
Overall, I am very glad I read this document and learned some new information that I think more people should take into consideration and to think of others. All apps and information should be able to be accessed by anyone, no matter if they have a disability or not.
By Julie Essex
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