Introduction
It is important to note the widespread use of smartphones and social media in the modern day and age did not come without consequences. Although these technologies opened an array of opportunities to communicate and exchange ideas instantaneously regardless of physical distance or location, face-to-face human interaction became more limited as a result. Thus, people need in-person human interaction to be their best selves because excessive reliance on other forms of communication atrophies social skills and makes them lose empathy.
Discussion
Firstly, it is critical to understand that human empathy relies on the interactors’ ability to react and respond, which makes people humane and empathetic. Erika Thorkelson writes that “when we’re conditioned to document rather than react, we become a world of schoolyard newscasters, standing back and analyzing the situation as a story” (par. 17). In other words, any form of interaction aside from in-person type is devoid of the empathetic and humane reactionary element. The real-world happy celebrations or sad tragedies become mere stories on the screen, which does not invoke a proportionately valid emotional response. Secondly, excessive reliance on social media or technology in general atrophies vital social skills needed for in-person human interaction. Kate Murphy writes: “Inmates who rebound after solitary confinement are the ones who realized their isolation was a serious threat to their sense of self” (par. 22). Therefore, one cannot achieve the best self by being isolated and confined behind the technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, excessive reliance on other forms of communication atrophies social skills and makes them lose empathy, which is why people need in-person human interaction to be their best selves. Human empathy relies on the interactors’ ability to react and respond, which makes people humane and empathetic. In addition, depending on social media or technology too much atrophies vital social skills needed for in-person human interaction.
Works Cited
Murphy, Kate. “We’re All Socially Awkward Now.” The New York Times, Web.
Thorkelson, Erika. “How Camera Phones Stunt Bravery and Short-Circuit Human Decency.” Hazlitt, Web.