Technology is the most developing thing in the present world and has a compelling effect on human existence (McDaniel et al. p. 3). The integration of technology can be seen vividly in modern day, especially in communication with digital platforms such as social media, video streaming, conferencing and email tools connected dependent on IoT (internet of things). Despite its significant benefit in strengthening communication by connecting people around the globe, it can also have a certain negative impact, especially on the psychological ground. As indicated by Zaidi et al. (p.29) technology can never replace human touch and emotional exchange; the distant communication, long screen time, and disrupted routines are making modern lifestyle very stressful. Lack of direct communication becomes responsible for developing a sense of depression, anxiety and social isolation. On the other hand, it creates distractions, distance within relations and health issues.
Thesis Statement – Technology may connect people globally with internet, it is also becoming the cause of distractions, degraded quality of life and poor interpersonal relationship.
A problem has arisen in this generation that people are not able to face each other in front as they are habituated to communicating through technology like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp. and similar other channels (Murphy). The natural ability of human beings is to understand others and respond accordingly to have a great impact on the communication process. Some people are found who cannot speak in front and technology helps them to become extroverts and share their emotions and feelings with people whom they cannot converse with properly. Excessive reliance on digital communication is shaking the fundamental habits of human interaction. A wrong conception is developed about the communicants as one cannot judge the other with all the observing abilities as in face-to-face connection. Misunderstanding arises between relationships as every person tries to show their best in longer-length communication and when they meet physically, they find faults in one another, and thus miscommunication begins. On the other hand, partners seem to be busy on their phones and lack personal communication. As most people are busy connecting on mobile phones through video calls, texting, and other modes relationships are getting hampered Parents are getting less time from their children. Therefore, technology has created distance and differences in people by reducing the urge for physical conversation.
Technology seems to have affected the lives of adults, as they mostly need to connect with friends and need digital gadgets for their education (Chu, p. 1). According to the distraction-conflict theory, it has been found that those who have higher control over their attention have less impact of technology on them. People using more digital tools are found to have psychological issues like anxiety, depression, severe attention disorder, and others. Scrolling down reels and shorts is even more dangerous as this is diminishing the concentration period of the human mind. People are less interested in reading bigger blogs and more likely to go through 1-minute videos. Too much information is gathered and thus they are not getting proper area to get reflected upon. They spend less time with their families and are busy making online connections with unknown influencers or watching movies and web series. This has an impact on higher studies as well, the solutions are being given by AI-generated apps, and that has reduced the students’ impetus to learn and have the thirst for knowledge. Therefore, adults are greatly affected by the intervention of technology and the overuse of virtual connections between friends and relatives.
Studies have found that couples are sharing personal time discussing social media posts or digital content they have gone through (McDaniel et al., 5). Person-to-person connectivity is diminishing with time and that is greatly affecting the relationships. The problems between the couples seem to either be pent up for a long time or getting aggressive at the slightest fumes. The intensity and depth are lacking. Even if partners are sharing quality time, they prefer to watch movies, web series, or any digital content. Most of the people of this 21st century are greatly affected by the presence of technology and digital platforms like social media, OTT, and similar others. Due to overcrowding of information, people are overconscious and are trying to follow recent trends. The influencers are trying their best to motivate people to follow a common trend. But mostly, a great number of misinformation is also produced under sensational headings to just have great views. Even commercial brands are using digital media as their best marketing platform. Thus, people of every age seem to be greatly habituated by technology even at the cost of relationship issues and communication gaps.
As per the above discussion of the essay the influence of technology has been found to be detrimentally impactful in diminishing the quality of life and real-life relationships. Different sources have been studied to authenticate the thesis statement. The relationship issues between couples, adults, and people in general are detrimental. This seems to be the root cause of the lack of face-to-face conversation and basic fundamental skills of understanding and responding to people.
Works Cited
Chu, Jianxun, et al. “Attention or distraction? The impact of mobile phone on users’ psychological well-being.” Frontiers in Psychology 12 (2021): 612127. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.612127
McDaniel, Brandon T., Adam M. Galovan, and Michelle Drouin. “Daily technoference, technology use during couple leisure time, and relationship quality.” Media Psychology 24.5 (2021): 637-665. https://doi.org/10.1080/15213269.2020.1783561
Murphy, Mark. “How Technology Is Eroding Our Most Fundamental Human Skill.” Forbes, 26 June 2024, www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2024/06/25/how-technology-is-eroding-human-skills/.
Zaidi, Huma, et al. “Disconnect to Reconnect: Your Path to Physical and Mental Wellbeing.” Exploring Youth Studies in the Age of AI. IGI Global, 2024. 25-43. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-3350-1.ch002
