Introduction
In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral and influential part of people’s lives because it is used not only for calls or film watching but also for work and social contacts. Thus, from smartphones to social media, modern technologies have revolutionized the way individuals can communicate and interact with each other today. However, it is also important to note that this increased reliance on technology has raised numerous concerns about its impact on people’s psychological and social well-being (Hasyim and Cuzzamu 18-20). Even though technology can be used to foster connection and help people always stay in touch, even in long-distance relationships, smartphones and other gadgets often tend to make people lonelier and more isolated, hindering face-to-face communication and provoking social anxiety in some cases.
Negative Influence of Technologies on Human Communication
Decreasing Face-to-Face Communication
One way technologies and smartphones can make people feel lonelier is by minimizing the need for face-to-face communication or hindering it when people choose to gather with friends or relatives. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see a group of friends sitting together, each engrossed in their own devices. Instead of engaging in meaningful conversations and building deeper connections, people are often glued to their screens, scrolling through social media or texting (Bonsaksen et al. 2-4). In this context, they ignore an opportunity to share their thoughts and emotions with close people and improve their psychological and social well-being.
Furthermore, in many cases, people choose not to interact in physical places because of a lack of time, other resources, or motivation. They may use Zoom sessions, for example, instead of face-to-face communication. This lack of direct human interaction observed today can also be associated with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (Coplan et al. 481-483). The problem is that such behavioral patterns and the absence of quality communication can often lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
“Third Wheel” in Relationships
Moreover, the constant use of smartphones can create barriers in personal relationships. For example, when couples go out for dinner, they can both become engrossed in their phones, rather than enjoying each other’s company, as is observed in friends’ meetings. The absence of quality and emotionally positive conversations can lead to worsening relations.
It is also important to state that this constant distraction hinders intimacy and can provoke further disconnection, ultimately making individuals feel more alone. These people can feel uncomfortable communicating in the real world because of certain barriers, such as the lack of topics to discuss or the need to openly demonstrate emotions and opinions (Bonsaksen et al. 2-4). In this context, technology can contribute to loneliness by fostering social anxiety.
Self-Devaluation
The problem is that the rise of social media platforms has created a specific culture of comparison and constant self-evaluation. People continuously see carefully edited versions of others’ lives, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Additionally, the pressure to present a perfect image online can lead to anxiety and a fear of judgment, making it difficult for individuals to form genuine connections in person.
Addiction to Time Wasting
Furthermore, one should note that the addiction to smartphones can lead to the development of more obvious social isolation. For instance, people often find themselves scrolling through their social media feeds for hours on end, neglecting real-life interactions. This excessive screen time can result in a lack of social engagement and a decreaseddesire to participate in offline activities. According to Yavich et al., people who spend much time online usually report higher stress levels and loneliness (11).
The experience of using social media and messengers can prevent individuals from effectively assessing the real world and can cause anxiety, distress, fears, and problems with self-esteem. These conditions and negative emotions prevent people from communicating actively and demonstrating their real personality or “self.” As a result, individuals may feel lonelier and disconnected from the world around them.
Positive Effects of Technologies
Distant Communication
Despite these adverse effects, different types of technologies also have the potential to foster and improve connections and help people stay in touch and communicate even if they live in different countries or on different continents. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, allow people to constantly stay connected with friends and family members, regardless of distance.
Self-Expression and Support
Through these platforms, individuals can share moments in their lives, engage in conversations, and provide emotional support to one another. This type of communication can be particularly valuable for individuals with friends or loved ones living far away, as it allows them to maintain a sense of connection and closeness (Sen et al. 2-4). From this perspective, the technologies and platforms that were supposed to improve online communication can significantly contribute to developing people’s relationships when they are at a distance.
Convenient and Fast Communication
Additionally, one should state that texting and messaging applications have made online communication with the help of smartphones more convenient and accessible. Most people can instantly reach out to their friends and loved ones, share their thoughts and feelings, and receive immediate responses, opinions, and support. This constant communication can help bridge the gap created by physical distance and provide effective emotional support, making individuals feel less alone (Sen et al. 2-4).
Counterargument
However, the regular use of smartphones and other devices is associated with the development of a type of dependence on these technologies, making people more dependent on social media and online communication (Bonsaksen et al. 2-4). In these cases, they tend to find support and love from other people online without developing strong real-life relations. Even if people demonstrate an active, happy life using social media, they can feel lonely in the real world. This difference in realities and expectations can lead to mental problems and feelings of loneliness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to state that technology has undoubtedly changed the way people communicate with others. While smartphones and social media can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation by hindering or preventing face-to-face communication and promoting social anxiety, the use of technologies also has the potential to improve people’s connections and help them contact their friends and relatives from any region of the world.
From this perspective, it is essential to strike a balance and use technology consciously to maintain meaningful relationships and combat the negative impact it can have on individuals’ social well-being. It is important to note that, by being mindful of the screen time and actively engaging in offline interactions, people can ensure that technology enhances, rather than hinders, their social networks’ communication and helps them feel supported and a sense of connection.
Works Cited
Bonsaksen, Tore, et al. “Associations Between Social Media Use and Loneliness in a Cross-National Population: Do Motives for Social Media Use Matter?” Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, vol. 11, no. 1, 2023, pp. 1-10.
Coplan, Robert J., et al. “Alone with My Phone? Examining Beliefs about Solitude and Technology Use in Adolescence.” International Journal of Behavioral Development, vol. 46, no. 6, 2022, pp. 481-489.
Hasyim, Muhammad, and Emerson B. Cuzzamu. “Why Do Social Media Make People Feel Lonelier Instead of Connecting with Them?” Technoarete Transactions on Advances in Social Sciences and Humanities, vol. 2, no. 1, 2022, pp. 18-24.
Sen, Keya, et al. “The Use of Digital Technology for Social Wellbeing Reduces Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.” SSM-Population Health, vol. 17, 2022, pp. 1-10.
Yavich, Roman, et al. “Social Media and Loneliness–Forever Connected?” Higher Education Studies, vol. 9, no. 2, 2019, pp. 10-21.