On one hand, cell phones and new technologies have brought humans closer together than ever before in human history. In the very beginning of history, the only way to communicate long distance was to travel there yourself or send a letter, which could take anywhere from days to weeks to months. It would take equally as long to receive a response by letter. A conversation would take up an entire lifetime. With the invention of the telegraph, that communication sped up several fold, now only taking a couple hours to send and receive messages. The telephone again increased the speed by several fold, with long distance communication now instant and direct. Cell phones and the Internet have made it possible to communicate with anyone from almost anywhere. People can call or text or message people halfway around the world and have the, receive it instantly. People can receive information the second after it happens. Everyone knows everything about everyone and can contact anyone.
On the other hand, these same technologies have pulled us apart. With everyone so obsessed no involved with their devices, it is like everyone is in their own world. People standing next to each other might as well be on the other side of the planet. People are starting to lose their communication and people skills. People don't know how to function socially anymore. Talking with people requires effort, and texting may just be easier. Instead of talking face to face, people prefer calling or texting, as it is less nerve wracking and personal. Face to face, it is too difficult to express oneself or contain ones opinions or feelings. Through technology, people see and hear exactly and only what you want them to see and hear. Technology allows people to hide behind a facade of their own choosing. Online, people can be whoever and whatever they want to be. In person, that just is not possible. Fundamentally, people are losing their social skills and find it easier to hide behind their cell phones and technology than to face other people in person.
The cell phone and Internet fulfilled their original purposes to connect people, but with the cost of also pushing them apart. People connect at the superficial level through technology but no longer are capable of connecting at a personal and intimate level in person. There is no simple solution to this problem, as the consequences are a direct result of the benefits. Personally, I do not think that we can solve this problem. Perhaps if people came together to set new social standards that encouraged personal interaction over through technology, the situation would improve. We also need to teach the young generation vital social skills and force them to practice them. However, with the new technologies constantly coming out and the current situation, there seems to be no cure or solution. Personal interactions are a sacrifice that society chose to make in exchange for instant gratification.
- Lina
