Relationships damaged by technology

By Charmi Asodariya

Regis College reported that individuals who use social media more frequently are three times more likely to feel isolated.

In this modern age, we’re surrounded by technology, which allows us to connect to the world using social media and other platforms. Although technology is helping connect people, it can still make us feel more alone. 

We are the ones who created cell phones, laptops and other tech devices to stay in touch with people, but do we really feel connected? As we immerse ourselves in the glow of screens, do we neglect the profound longing for genuine human connection that resides within us all? 

While we know that technology enables us to exchange messages, share photos and engage in virtual conversations, it still lacks the depth and intimacy of a face-to-face conversation in today’s digitalized world.

Imagine that when we feel hungry, we run to buy a pack of chips. At first it might satisfy your hunger because you are munching away, but then you realize that you’re still hungry, even more so than earlier. That’s a bit like how technology makes us feel lonely. As you start using technology, you get used to it and in the end it becomes an addiction, without which you cannot function or feel anything. 

This addiction can lead you down a path of depression and loneliness. We might have thousands of online friends or followers, but many of us may not truly know them personally or feel a strong connection with them. With how many of them have you shared laughter, tears or moments of vulnerability with? 

One of the research states that humans are more dependent on technology than themselves to perform activities or tasks in a time where people are surrounded by AI systems and other tech devices. The most popular platform of technology is social media, and it’s easy to engage with anyone on there and become friends with strangers, but that still might not be enough to make you feel happy.

Excessive use of social media such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter can create a bleak environment. We often give priorities to the negative things or words around us rather than seeing the good in everything. 

Yes, technology is an addiction and those who live with it display behaviors such as preoccupations, development of tolerance and functional impairment. 

Teenagers with internet addiction may be more likely to suffer from ADHD symptoms than from other psychiatric disorders. They may also experience significantly greater symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity than non-internet addicted teens. 

Future generations will grow up in a world surrounded by technology. It is highly likely that they will not venture outdoors as much as children in previous generations. Since 2019, around 80% of homes were equipped with internet connections, in addition to video games and streaming services. 

These devices hook users into spending more time indoors in front of a screen. This lifestyle affects not only mental health, but also the social and physical wellbeing of children. 

By choosing to stay inside, children and teenagers have lost the ability to communicate and interact with others. This can be discouraging as this sense of isolation leads to increased feelings of loneliness.

The increased use of technology has reached a point where it is uncontrollable. People are beginning to feel lonelier even if it seems we are connected to the whole world. 

Technology and human relationships are like a river, which can flow continuously but also be tumultuous.