Has Technology Moved People Closer Together Or Further Apart?
We regularly give technology acclaim for being
an amazing thing. Whether we’re looking at the internet, the latest smartphone,
a new games console, or anything else, we never fail to be in awe at what
technology can bring to our lives. One of the common features of technology,
and one that is generally seen as a positive, is that it is seen to bring
people closer together than ever before.
A
Smaller World
Central
to the discussion is this point. Technology has made the world a smaller place
than ever before. How is this the case?
From
both a professional and a personal perspective, it is clear to see what technology brings to the world. Looking closer, what impact has it actually had on individual
relationships?
The Fame Game
and Interaction
Let’s
get one thing clear right away. Talking to or otherwise interacting with
celebrities on a platform like Twitter might seem cool, but it has absolutely
no impact on society whatsoever. Just because Justin Bieber or Rihanna happen
to retweet something you said doesn’t mean you have a BFF for life and should
expect them to give you the full VIP backstage pass treatment next time they
play in your town.
Yes, you might have some additional street cred for a while, but that’s about it.
What about from another perspective?
Yes, you might have some additional street cred for a while, but that’s about it.
What about from another perspective?
Technology and
Business Relationships
In
terms of business, there is no doubt that the ability to speak with people face
to face without actually being with them is brilliant. As well as having the
additional communication channel, business can save fortunes against the cost
of flying around the world and paying for accommodation, and forge partnerships
they otherwise might not have done.
At the same time, a business relationship between people who’ve never met is never going to be as strong as one where people have met, shaken hands, and built a rapport together. Technology can work, but not all the time.
At the same time, a business relationship between people who’ve never met is never going to be as strong as one where people have met, shaken hands, and built a rapport together. Technology can work, but not all the time.
Impact on
Personal Lives
This
is probably the point that causes the greatest debate, and there are two
contrasting points to it.
Our earlier observation about keeping in touch with people around the world is the positive side, but what about the negative?
This comes from people who use technology to live out their social lives without actually meeting their friends. Today, people have conversations via Facebook or Twitter, amongst other social networks, with increasing regularity, rather than going for coffee or something to eat, for example. While technology has brought these people into closer, more convenient contact, from a social perspective, they are, in reality, moving apart.
Our earlier observation about keeping in touch with people around the world is the positive side, but what about the negative?
This comes from people who use technology to live out their social lives without actually meeting their friends. Today, people have conversations via Facebook or Twitter, amongst other social networks, with increasing regularity, rather than going for coffee or something to eat, for example. While technology has brought these people into closer, more convenient contact, from a social perspective, they are, in reality, moving apart.
Conclusions
Much
of the debate surrounding technology comes down to personal perspective. How we
use technology has changed how we live and work, without doubt. It is
important, however, to see technology as a beneficial tool, rather than the
only platform at our disposal, for building personal and professional
relationships.
Author Bio:
Robert
is a technology expert who regularly holds seminars to discuss the biggest issues
in the industry, both from business and personal perspectives. Robert is
currently preparing a course for businesses discussing the merits of VPS hosting,
and is looking forward to rolling this out to his clients.