How Technology Affects Communication
Technology and communication are two things that can’t be separated. The development of technology makes us communicate more quickly than before. Some might argue that technology is for the greater good, while some might argue it is a bad thing.
One of the major benefits of technology is that it connects family or friends who lives far away. When I live in Australia, sometimes I feel homesick and technology helps me a lot. I can easily reach out my family through video calling in no time. Technology also allows us to meet new friends through social media –in short, technology connects you with people around the world. Furthermore, there are many advanced technology tools in the field of communication: e-mail, video conferencing, social media, etc. The other benefit is the fact that technology has created a vast library of knowledge that’s accessible through search engines–it’s far easier to get a lot of information anytime and anywhere. Many websites have original content that can be used either for research or entertainment.
Even if technology connects people in the virtual world, ironically, it is also disconnect people in real life. If we see a group of people in a restaurant, they will always look at the screens on their phones instead of speaking a word to one another. It isn’t just one group; it is multiple groups, even multiple families. Another issue is the lack of empathy. People nowadays are more interested in viewing and recording other people's misery. The most probable reason: to upload it onto social networking. Increasing of social isolation is also a drawback of technology. People are spending more time learning how to use technology, wasting their time playing video games and using social media, ignoring their lives. Unfortunately, this leads to loneliness and depression.
After knowing the benefits and drawbacks of technology, personally, I believe that technology can be both improve or worsen interpersonal communication. It depends on how often you use technology, whether it has become an addiction or not –too much of anything is bad for you.
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