Technology has provided the world with wonderful resources. Medical care has drastically improved, people are afforded more opportunities with the ability to interview for jobs via video conference calls, and long-distance friends and family can feel a little bit closer to one another. Just like with anything, however, technology is only good in moderation, and its overuse can do more harm than good.
It is imperative to remember that technology is a tool. It should be used to further our understanding, break through barriers that distance creates and better humanity. It is not a replacement for human interaction.
It is common to see a parent hand their child a tablet to keep them quiet and occupied. While there are definitely benefits to educational tablet games for children, it is important to remember to limit their screen time. When technology is used as an excuse for poor parenting, the social development of the child can be compromised.
According to psycom.net, glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is believed to affect up to 75% of the population. While the level of this fear may vary from a slight nervousness to crippling inability, it is disturbing nonetheless. Successful communication of ideas and opinions is crucial no matter what industry you work in. Without having that person-to-person contact at a young age, this fear of speaking is only going to become compounded with time.
For instance, it is a common saying that millennials hate to talk on the phone. Millennials grew up in a time in which texting became more common, therefore replacing phone calls with short, typed messages. This just goes to show that the less you use a skill or method of communication, the more you will forget how to use it, even leading to the possibility of being intimidated by it.
Technology has the potential to continue to be a wonderful asset to humanity. But it should be used to make our lives and tasks easier so that we have more time to do what is important, like spending time with those we care about.
No matter how fun a video game or new gadget is, it will never be able to replace the people around us. Part of the reason technology is so successful is because a majority of it is aimed at making us feel closer to people. Gamers are able to talk to the people they are playing against, and there is a portal that allows for easing video chatting while they multitask around the house. Each of these are focused on connecting people. New medical advancements are created to save people.
No matter how any sci-fi movies are created, robots will never be able to replace your family and friends. It is OK to sit down and play your favorite video game or binge a Netflix series. Just remember to take the time to talk to those around you, go outside, connect on a personal level and do not fall prey to the ease of a virtual one.
Photo by Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian
