The problem’s plain to see. Too much technology. Machines to save our lives. Machines dehumanize.
STYX hit the nail on the head with such an assertion. There is no doubt that advancements in technology have been beneficial to our society in many ways. But let’s consider the other side of the spectrum. “Machines dehumanize.” In this transition from a medieval world to a modern one, one thing is certain: our social skills have taken a turn for the worse.
Instead of meeting someone for lunch to chat in person, two people will sit in their rooms browsing Facebook.com without ever getting the courage to meet in person.
With instant messaging programs, people can get involved with chat rooms and have “deep” conversations with someone they think they know so well. But that person is a stranger. That friendship is an illusion.
Socializing through a computer is like socializing under the influence of alcohol – your inhibitions go out the door. That screen serves as a barrier to the truth. It blocks fears, nerves and guises. It is impossible to read the person.
You can say whatever you want without appearing foolish and you can take as much time as you need to fabricate a witty response that you would never have the guts to say in person.
In person your shyness is brought out; eye contact is expected, quick responses are crucial and your body language and articulation are dead indicators of what you are genuinely thinking.
Even text messaging adds to the impersonal aspect of such alternatives. They are sent to avoid a speaking in a tone that would distinguish the motives or feelings behind a message .
This type of communication is the reason our generation has such poorly developed social skills – characterized by slang, casualness and timidity.
This is why a student might cringe at the thought of a required interview. Obviously, if you’re used to slouching in a chair at the computer, absentmindedly typing phrases like “lol u r rite i c wut ur sayin” you probably won’t have the best overall presentation or appear too intelligent at an interview.
It really isn’t healthy to resort to the internet as your primary form of communication. Studies done at Carnegie Mellon University have proven “Internet use leads to a small but statistically significant increase in misery and loneliness and a decline in overall psychological well-being.”
It can’t be fulfilling to sit idly and talk to people via computer, rather than hang out with them. Eventually, that routine will grow tiring and you’ll find yourself feeling jaded and lonely.
Make an effort to actually talk to people. Don’t let technology take such a stronghold on your social life. Do something about it. Veer away from that easier, impersonal path and make friends or pursue love interests the way a person should. Summon your courage and just approach them. That’s all you have to do. That’s the ticket to more personal relationships. Now that the secret has been revealed, go out and make it happen.
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