Technology is supposed to make us more connected. We can stay in touch with our friends all the time on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, and, of course, by texting. But are our smart
phones actually getting in the way of real socializing? Could technology be making us more alone?
In the article “Disruptions: More Connected, Yet More Alone,” Nick Bilton writes about a YouTube video that comments on our smartphone-obsessed culture.
Last weekend, I was watching television with a few friends, browsing the week’s most popular YouTube videos, when a piece in the comedy section called “I Forgot My Phone” caught my eye. As I was about to click play, however, a friend warned: “Oh, don’t watch that. I saw it yesterday, and it’s really sad.”The two-minute video, which has been viewed more than 15 million times, begins with a couple in bed. The woman, played by the comedian and actress Charlene deGuzman, stares silently while her boyfriend pays no mind and checks his smartphone.The subsequent scenes follow Ms. deGuzman through a day that is downright dystopian: people ignore her as they stare at their phones during lunch, at a concert, while bowling and at a birthday party. (Even the birthday boy is recording the party on his phone.) The clip ends with Ms. deGuzman back in bed with her boyfriend at the end of the day; he is still using his phone.Ms. deGuzman’s video makes for some discomfiting viewing. It’s a direct hit on our smartphone-obsessed culture, needling us about our addiction to that little screen and suggesting that maybe life is just better led when it is lived rather than viewed. While the clip has funny scenes — a man proposing on a beach while trying to record the special moment on his phone — it is mostly … sad.
Work Cited: Gonchar, Michael. "Does Technology Make Us More Alone? " The New York Times [New York], New York, 4 Sept. 2013.
YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/OINa46HeWg8
Students: Tell me …
Does technology make us more alone? Do you find yourself surrounded by people who are staring at their screens instead of having face-to-face conversations? Are you ever guilty of doing that, too? Is our obsession with documenting everything through photographs and videos preventing us from living in the moment? Do you ever try to put your phone down to be more present with the people in the room? Do you have rules for yourself or for your friends or family about when and how you use technology in social situations? If not, do you think you should? Do you think smartphones will continue to intrude more into our private and social spaces, or do you think society is beginning to push back? Comment on one or any of the previous questions that spark your interest.
Like many others have said, technology is a viable tool that has its many uses and connects millions of people from all over the world. The problem that arises is the abuse of technology as an escape. If there is an unsatisfactory situation, people tend to avoid the problem via hobbies, books, and electronics. While escape isn't 100% bad 100% of the time, it has the possibility to take precedence over reality. This leads to underdeveloped, unhappy people. Given the negatives, technology can be extremely beneficial if used correctly. Ignorance is the seed of hate so if we can use technology to remove that ignorance, we are better off than before. It also allows us to meet new friends or…
Smartphones were made to help you view the world and make new connections. I think a lot of people are abusing that ability by not seeing what is right in front of their face and only focusing on a screen. I feel there does need to be guidelines on when and where to use your smartphone.
Is our obsession with documenting everything through photographs and videos preventing us from living in the moment? Do you ever try to put your phone down to be more present with the people in the room? Do you have rules for yourself or for your friends or family about when and how you use technology in social situations? I do think our obsession with documenting everything is preventing us from living in the moment. Often times I see couples and groups of friends who are going out together spending a significant amount of time trying to get the perfect angle or lighting for photos. Or, during birthday parties, a family member or friend might tell guests to get in certain…
Too much of anything is bad for us. I don’t think it’s healthy or natural for us to be so dependent on these screens that fit in our pockets, but it’s inevitable now. I always feel better when I decide to just spend time with those around me instead of staring at my phone. I’ve also noticed a lot of people always have a camera up in my face when I’m trying to have a nice time... so naturally I surround myself with people who I know aren’t like that. During this “pandemic” though all of our social lives are online, so not many moments now to miss out on because of our phones. When I’m older and have an…
I don't think technology makes us more alone. It connects people all around the world. some people use it to much which pushes people away from them, making those people feel alone but that is their decision. Technology is easy to get lost in but if a person can divide their time between technology and reality then they can feel more connected, and less alone then if they just stayed plugged into one.