Tamaren vs. Ullman

Ellen Ullman and I have many similarities and differences on two main points of comparison. The first is the amount of time we spend online, and the second is our ability to cultivate online relationships. Both Ullman and I spend way too much time checking our mail online. Ullman would check hers at every opportunity she got, where as I do somewhat of the same thing. We are both obsessed with being kept up to date on whatever piece of information we are awaiting. The main difference there is that we are checking our mail for two different reasons. Her motives are for personal relationships and mine are for business. Ullman searches for friendships in her email, and I am merely looking to talk to teacher and get important information for my school work and other academic benefits. Although we both frequently check our mail, Ullman checks for personal reasons and I check for academic purposes.

Although maintaining online relationships is not my first priority like it is Ullman's, I do occasionally use it for personal reasons. Before the use of cell phones, around the time I was in about 8th grade I always used email for personal reasons like Ullman. It was my main form of communication next to face to face. I felt braver online and was able to talk to whatever boy I had a crush on without so many inhibitions. Ullman writes with those same feelings in mind. Both Ullman and my 14 year old self felt much closer to certain people online than in person. The main difference is our ages. I felt that way at the age of 14, and Ullman is a grown woman. It shows how technology influences different age groups. As a child growing up with that kind of technology, I was able to feel that way at a much younger age.