Is Technology Making Us Feel More Isolated?

The use of technology has shaped our lives more than we know, it has transformed how we communicate, work, and our day-to-day lives. Social media makes it easy to stay connected to family and friends around the world. Despite all the benefits that technology has brought, many people could agree that they feel more isolated.So the real question is, if technology is truly bringing us closer together or actually doing the opposite.

Technology has made communication effortless, we are able to communicate with our family and friends, all around the world through a simple button. This makes it easier to stay up-to-date on the lives of those we love and care for. Distance can make it hard to visit family often, however, the use of FaceTime can help maintain real time updates.

As much as this is a nice alternative rather than driving 10+ hours to visit family, we must remember that these interactions are different from face-to-face connections. The use of technology can lack emotional presence, as well as the lack of depth. Overtime, this can create weaker, social bonds, as hiding behind a camera is not always a substitute for meaningful conversations.

Social media can also be a cause for our loneliness, while it allows people to stay connected, it can also create comparison. When we see other people‘s lives that are picture perfect on social media, it can make us feel like we aren’t enough. This can cause feelings of isolation and self-doubt, even with the use of technology.

Technology can also change the way we view life. Do you ever find yourself hanging out with friends but yet everyone is absorbed in their own phones? This reduces real life interactions and can make us feel less present. However, technology isn’t to blame for this, as this is just a tool, and it all depends on how we use it. When we use it intentionally, it can strengthen relationships as well as provide opportunities.

There must be a balance when using technology, staying connected should not be replacing face to face interactions. We must remember our lives outside of social media and technology, human connection comes from being present and sharing experiences without the use of the screen. Overall, as much as technology can be useful it is also important to know how to properly use it so that we don’t feel isolated. The difference is learning how to use it without going overboard.