Separation Anxiety to Separation Preference: How Technology Has Changed Our Need for Face-to-Face Interaction
Time has certainly seen its share of advances in technology and communication, but none more than in the last 60 years. From the first computer in 1951, to the most recent tech advances with search engines and social networking sites, no period in history has experienced more technological and communicative growth that what we are experiencing now.
While advancements in technology are fantastic and a benefit to all, in the afterglow of these advancements, we may have overlooked the unforeseen side effects and decline in interpersonal skills we are currently working through in society today.
Think about it! Just 15 years ago (2007) sending a text to someone, having a laptop (or a tablet) out to take notes during a meeting would have seemed odd and/or rude. From that, it seems we have moved to the other extreme where not having one of these devices available during that same meeting makes us look unprepared and not engaged. The shift between these two extremes has set us up for many of the problems we face today as most people would rather text or send messages than have a face-to-face or phone conversation.
As MIT Professor and founding director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self, Sherry Turkle, points out, by using texting we get to “self-edit” or “retouch” everything we send, and the sender retains control over how they present themselves - I would also add social media and instant messaging to this quote as well. Meaning, this has caused our relationships to become somewhat plastic or artificial and we, as a global society, have forgotten how to feel awkward and build our interpersonal skills. Thus we are connected, but still alone.
This is not to say tech is bad and we should stop using or developing it, but rather, we must both embrace and depart from technology in select areas of our lives. Striking the correct balance with live and virtual experiences is important. Without them we ourselves become automated and mechanical as the technology we use.
Take a listen to Sherry Turkle's TedTalk from 10 years ago (2012). I think you may just be amazed how relevant and timely her words still are today.
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