Putting the discussion of mobility of writing into the
context of traveling, like Molz does, is very apt. Molz discusses how travel
blogs and message boards have become very popular as travelers increasingly
utilize technology for writing, and how travelers have also led to the use of
website for finding couches to crash on or hostels. The book was written in
2010, so social media has advanced quite a bit. Nowadays, these travel message
boards tend to be Instagram or Twitter accounts. I know a girl who runs a
travel Instagram account, and connects with fellow travellers through posting
about her own experiences. The concept of websites for hostels has also
advanced. Airbnb is an extremely widely used website for renting out rooms in
people’s homes. Hostelworld is a website that is exclusively for youths seeking
out hostels to stay in while in vacation. So this idea of mobility in writing
is essential for frequest travelers, who depend on reviews and recommendations
of others, which are published on these media, for finding places to stay.
Having access to Wi-Fi through mobile devices (tablets, smartphones, etc.)
becomes a necessity when traveling. This is a great example of how mobility has
changed writing.
A few of the people who have already posted have mentioned
the way that writing on social media can be helpful for travellers, too. For
example, people like to share their experiences on social media by writing
about them. Many people that I know who did semesters abroad or exchange
programs started blogs, where they updated their friends and family every week
or so. Not only is this a great way to share one’s experiences, but it is also
essential for maintaining relationships with loved ones back home. A few
decades ago, if someone were to study abroad, maintaining a romantic
relationship would be difficult at best; the student’s parents would have been
limited in knowing their child was safe. Now, through these different types of
mobile writing, studying abroad does not mean a semi-permanent goodbye to your
loved ones. These pieces of writing in which experiences are shared are also a
great way to encourage others to travel.
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