Stacey Pigg’s “Transient Literacies in Action” covers the idea about the “mobile surround.” What she means by this is that people interact in a shared environment with the use of technology. When reading this article, I’ve realized that coffee shops could be a hit or miss when getting work done. Depending on the person and the work ethic of the group you are with, this will either create a really productive space or not. In my experience, Starbucks has been a fairly productive environment to get my work done. With the free Wi-Fi, the outlet plugs, and the iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso I could never say no to, these resources make getting work done there more worth it to me. I work best on my own or even with friend groups in the mornings when it’s usually not too crowded. This is because our surroundings are a lot quieter and easier to concentrate. I would prefer doing studying/group projects at Starbucks since I could also eat unlike in the library. 

However, when working with a group of people, especially with your friends, it’s a lot easier to get off tract. I admit that our Starbucks work days sometimes turn into side conversations and random rants/gossip totally unrelated to what we should be doing. Comparing my productivity at Starbucks to the school library, I would say I get more work done in the library since it is almost always in a quieter space where everyone else is also getting work done. Since Starbucks tends to get busy and is generally louder throughout the day, most of the time social conversations are being made rather than doing the actual work.

It would be great to find a balance with social interactions and being productive and I believe it is possible if everyone in your group is on the same page. Working efficiently together with a plan on getting the task at hand done is what’s most important. This means that the social place you’re in, whether it’s Starbucks or the library, mainly depends on you and your strategy in being collaboratively successful. It’s best to be flexible to your surroundings no matter where the social gathering is held. 

In Chapter 2 of Stacey Pigg’s “Transient Literacies in Action,” the notion of the “mobile surround” refers to the dynamic and ever-evolving digital landscape in which individuals interact with various forms of technology, especially mobile devices. As a college writer and literacy learner, I find myself constantly immersed in this mobile surround, which has a significant impact on how I encounter writing and literacy.

The concept of “mobile surround” encompasses a multifaceted landscape in which digital technology plays a central role in my academic life. As a college writer, the advantages of this mobile technology are evident in the flexibility and convenience it offers. Whether I’m on campus, at home, or anywhere else, my mobile device ensures that I’m always connected to the resources and tools I need for writing and research. Through mobile apps and web access, I can effortlessly retrieve scholarly articles, access library databases, and consult digital books, simplifying the research phase of my writing projects. Additionally, they allow me to engage with social media and online platforms to gain more insight into people’s thoughts and ideas on a certain topic I might be researching without conveying any bias.  This convenience has revolutionized the way I approach academic tasks, making it easier to stay organized and efficient in my work.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the potential disadvantages of the mobile surround. The constant connectivity and allure of social media notifications can lead to information overload and serve as a distraction, which may hinder deep engagement with academics. Technology has been seamlessly incorporated into my academic life as I navigate mobile devices as a college writer and literacy learner. However, it’s crucial to remain aware of its potential diversions and devise methods to strike a balance between the advantages and the difficulties, thereby ensuring that I make the most of this technology in my academic endeavors.

Without Google, the Internet most likely did not penetrate so deeply into our lives. Google has completely changed the way you interact with the world. Without it, you’ll have to remember more things, instead of just pulling out your phone and Google – you’ll have the answer right away. I am Google, I am God. A statement that seems too much, but it also partly shows the great shadow of Google in life where technology plays a key role, and everything has been digitized. What happens if Google no longer exists? Without Google, the Internet most likely did not penetrate so deeply into our lives. Maybe, it’s just possible that a dense network of smartphones will not be able to expand their influence today without Google’s utilities. Let’s try to think. Google has completely changed the way you interact with the world. Without it, you’ll have to remember more things, instead of just pulling out your phone and Google – you’ll have the answer right away. If you struggle for 5 minutes, instead of just 5 seconds of Google to find the answer, it is very likely that you will give up right from the thought of it. So what if Google still maintains its operations as a mere search engine – instead of a brand like today? What if another partner in Silicon Valley was quicker, bought the tool and steered it in a completely different direction? No one has an answer – things can get worse, but it’s also possible that you’ll have an even more engaging Internet experience than now.