The concept of mobility has always been an essential
aspect to the process of writing. Historically speaking, many written texts
were intended to act as a form of record-keeping, and, therefore, they were
meant to travel within (and sometimes even outside) a community. Furthermore,
written works with the purpose of entertainment were also intended to gain a
sense of mobility and circulation in order for individuals to enjoy specific
texts wherever and whenever they wanted.
However, in our modern world, the idea of mobility
has been completely revolutionized with the introduction of life-changing
technologies like laptops, cell phones, and, subsequently, the social
applications downloaded onto those devices. With the entire “new” world of
social networking introduced to the Web, individuals now have endless
opportunities to connect with various people across the globe from right in
your hometown all the way to the other side of the world. The unlimited
connections of the internet have supported the evolution of the term “mobility”
from the concept of a text moving within a physical space to the idea of it
flowing through the nonphysical—the digital. For example, nearly everyone you
know carries a “mobile phone”—a device you essentially have on hand at all
times—which grants him/her access to said “mobile world.”
However, interestingly enough, the idea of this
digital mobility has also directly affected the production and reception of the
physical world. Having all information of the Web in your pocket may discourage
you from using your university’s library and research centers. The production
of eBooks has altered the idea of a “book” itself, reducing the need for
physical texts. Likewise, digital mobility can also act to support physical mobility. For example, the digital realm can offer
you opportunities to order physical books or search for physical locations
(like libraries).
All in all, our newfound concept of mobility has
altered the way we write as a culture, promoting the digital realm to ensure
said mobility and opting out of the traditional physical experience in favor of
something “better.” Nowadays, all individuals who write on social media do so
fully understanding the text’s easy mobility, as opposed to just considering
the possibility as writers of previous times may have questioned.
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