Nov. 18, 2024
By Sena Fidan
Editor
In a world where face-to-face conversations and interactions are being replaced by brightly lit screens, it is hard to ignore the negative impact of technology on human relationships. As society becomes more wired than ever, one cannot help but realize that we are sacrificing meaningful connections for the convenience of constant connectivity.
The rise of social media and instant messaging brought the problematic notion that to be more sociable, one must be on their phone all the time.
Not only has a National Library of Medicine study shown that 61.4% of young adults are addicted to their phones but a study conducted by the University of Arizona in 2019, found that smartphone dependency predicts higher reports of depressive symptoms and loneliness.
These trends are especially damaging to children who are still developing essential skills.
When children and adolescents prefer screen time to real face-to-face interactions and events happening off-screen, they lack the experience that helps them gain and practice crucial knowledge like forming bonds, listening and practicing empathy. When the time to indulge in these activities is replaced by technology, feelings of isolation, fear and lack of confidence appear.
Technology can be useful for those who have online friendships, but it should not replace anybody’s interactions in the real world.
In-person interaction took a significant hit during the global confusion and fear brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As people prioritized safety and health guidelines, face-to-face conversations were severely limited. As a result, virtual platforms like Zoom surged in popularity, becoming the primary means of communication for millions.
However, Zoom meetings cannot provide the same fulfillment as real-world interactions. A 2021 study by the National Library of Medicine found a prevalence of severe loneliness was 21% during the COVID-19 pandemic with only 6% retrospectively reporting severe loneliness prior to the pandemic.
Technology can be useful for those who have online friendships, but it should not replace anybody’s interactions in the real world.
From self-driving cars to the simple convenience of ordering food off your phone, technology’s development has made life easier for everybody. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize when these developments are beneficial and when they are detrimental to one’s life.
No amount of convenience can replace the value of real conversation, shared moments or a sense of belonging that is provided by face-to-face interactions. Therefore, we must learn to embrace technology without losing sight of what makes us truly connected.
