Despite technology’s ability to connect human beings with anyone at any point in time, technology communications can also lead people to feel more lonely and less fulfilled. For class, I read two articles in relation to this topic. In Text or talk: is technology making you lonely?, Margie Warrell shows how social media can inhibit us from truly feeling connected to our social networks in real life. In Does technology make us more alone?, Michael Gonchar argues that smartphones can get in the way of socializing face-to-face. 

Both articles argue the importance of setting boundaries for technology and social media usage, especially when you are socializing with other people. Warell emphasizes that the quality of human connection is much more important than the quantity of connections. Specifically, she emphasized the difference between communicating online and communicating in-person. In support of her argument, she states that, “As social media reshapes how we connect, we have to rethink what we need to feel fulfilled in our relationships, and realize that no amount of tweets, texts or Facebook status updates can provide it. While social networking is a great tool, there’s a profound difference between an online social network and a real one.” Warell goes on to explain how it is important to learn how to use technology to ensure that it does not use us. To support her argument, she also discusses strategies for building in-person social networks to reduce feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Along the same lines, Gonchar shows how technology can make individuals feel alone, even when surrounded by people. To support this argument, the author included a short YouTube video showing people not living in the moment and being too connected to their phones. The video emphasized how people document their every move on social media, rather than enjoying moments in real time. Furthermore, Gonchar included quotes from students in regards to their feelings on the effects of smartphones, which elucidated the fact that technology is sometimes too omnipresent in our lives. 

These articles were very interesting and well-explained. The points made by the authors made sense and they included strong quotes from both experts and average people, which made their arguments stronger. Furthermore, both authors showed the counterargument in regards to the positives and benefits to social media and smartphones, which also made their argument stronger. The YouTube video that Gonchar included in the article was well-produced and highlighted our society’s technology addiction. It was uncomfortable and sad to watch, especially since I know that I am sometimes a victim of paying too much attention to my phone when I should be living in the moment. 

Does anyone in the class set boundaries when it comes to phone and social media usage? If so, why and what efforts do you make?