Does the use of technology bring us closer or further away?

Smartphones gave new life to the way we communicate. Messaging, email and social networks, all on one device and at your fingertips. But, sometimes and paradoxically, what should bring us closer seems to be moving us further and further apart. Since the abuse or misuse of technology is taking human beings to a virtual relational world and distancing them from the real one.

Few can argue that new communication tools are useful. Well used, they are excellently positive because they contribute to making the local global and the global local. They bring closer and give visibility to what previously remained distant. For example, a video conference can bring people from different parts of the world together and give them the option to see each other’s faces. Social networks are valid ways to find people we haven’t seen in a while and get back in touch.

When technology isolates

The dilemma here lies in the misuse and abuse of these tools, especially among children, adolescents and young people. Many of them spend hours in front of the computer monitor waiting for responses from their friends on social networks.
They also spend hours without looking at someone in front of them because their cell phone keeps them trapped sending and receiving messages permanently. It is enough to go out into the street and find this scene all the time. And not only among the youngest, but also among adults.

Let’s give an example… Look from now on at the number of families or groups of friends who, when they go out for dinner or a drink, have their members using their cell phones on the table. Sometimes they don’t even exchange words for minutes. Wouldn’t it be more beautiful and adaptive to talk about experiences, tell curiosities or simply enjoy the company of others by looking into their eyes? What do you think?

The misuse of these artifacts, by constantly distancing ourselves from relationships face to faceSooner or later, it makes us feel isolated, even though we believe we remain more connected than ever. And, for some people it can lead to a depressive state or other types of difficulties.

A study of young adults ages 19 to 32 found that people who used social media more frequently were more likely to feel socially isolated than those who did not use social media as frequently.

Research indicates that frequent use of digital technology has both negative and positive impacts on brain function and behavior, including: increased attention deficit symptoms, impaired emotional and social intelligence, technology addiction, social isolation, impaired brain development, and disrupted sleep.

Put it to good use

Proper use of new technologies is the best way to avoid losing human contact. For example, with the mobile phone we can make quick queries, search for restaurants, gas stations… We can also make a call from anywhere and at any time. Now you can even pay for purchases by simply downloading an application and bringing the device closer.

For its part, email has the main advantage of being able to give an asynchronous response, especially when it comes to the professional field.

Social networks can help us create projects, stay updated, follow streaming events, know what our friends are doing, increase our network of professional contacts or find people we haven’t seen in a long time.

Another important issue has to do with the time we spend on our computer and our mobile phone. (outside working hours). In this case, the most advisable thing is to dedicate no more than a couple of hours each day to have time for ourselves and to give others what I call our real time.

Is wasting time sending messages the same as meeting at a point and using that time talking?

How to take advantage of technology?

Some signs that you might be relying too much on technology are:

Your family or friends complain about your excessive use of technology.You have neglected relationships in favor of technology. This is known as phubbing.Your work has been affected by the use of technology.You are losing sleep or stopping doing physical activities because you are connected to a technological device.It is causing you stress or anxiety.You have physical side effects, such as tension headaches, eyestrain.You feel like you can’t stop using technology.

If you relate to the signs above, here are some ways to reduce exposure to technological screens:

Delete non-essential apps from your phone to avoid constantly checking it.Turn TV time into physical activity time.Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom. Make mealtime a technology-free time.Provide more importance and priority to real-world relationships over online relationships.

Words cannot be replaced

Looking at each other’s faces and being able to establish real contact with each other makes us grow, nourishes us and enriches us. A smile, a hug, a facial gesture of complicity… You wouldn’t change it for anything, right?

To conclude, if you are one of the people who spends too many hours hooked on your cell phone, tablet or computer, try going outside and leaving “Whatsapp” aside for a bit. This way, you can lead to more encounters between people around you. A good conversation has no substitute.

You might be interested…