Is Technology Isolating Us From Friends and Family?
Psychologists have done studies on the effects of internet chats
on people. The number of cases going to doctors are increasing
day by day. People who are shy and reticent in the real world,
log on chats to vent out their frustration. They assume pseudo
identities and assume a new life, sitting hours at a stretch.
These cases have been causes of many marital problems and
divorces. Rejection by cyber friends has also been a big reason
of depression cases. It only serves to increase loneliness which
has been proved. Is technology hurting our social life? Holidays are enjoable only if we have people to share the
joy. otherwise it is a lonely existance like a desert. Let us examine further. Even internet
surfing, to some has become an addiction. Hours and hours are
spent online with no care of the real world. Similarly with
online games. People suddenly become recluse. They ignore their
home and family. Hanging out is no longer for them. This
phenomenon is real in many places. Loneliness creates
frustration with the outside world. A gregarious attitude is
lost. Everything is a product of new and latest innovations of
technology companies. And they are only researching and testing
for more of these gadgets.
Gone is the time of 70's and 80's when saturday nights were
nights with friends, hanging out. Nowadays you also hear about
online meetings with friends using instant messengers. SMS has
reduced the need of speaking on the phone. People are no longer
as outgoing and socialable as they were before. Even movies and
concerts can be downloaded home on demand preventing the need to
go out. In fact, you can even work from home and not even go to
office. Everything you need to shop, can be ordered online or on
the telephone.
Talking of education, even graduate degrees can be obtained
sitting at home. There is no need to attend lectures and classes
in universities. There's no need to stay in a college dormitory
with new friends. Our old favourite TV started the couch potato
idea. Studies showed people all over US were becoming obese and
lethargic. Children instead of playing football outdoors were
watching inane programs for long hours. All this only promotes
loneliness.
Some years back, there was this man who named himself dotcomguy.
He stayed inside a room for an entire month with just a computer
and a net connection. Everything he needed or wanted to do could
be done or bought with the help of the net. Publicity and
encouragement were given to him as if he were doing a great job.
Maybe he demonstrated the power of the computer- nothing more.
Man is a social animal-a cliche and a truth. He always needed
company of others for happiness. Marriage is a symbol of the
same- the need for a companion. Current technological progress
is only undermining the same. Its creating hermits everywhere.
There may be a day, when no one needs to come out of home. Now,
even marriages are webcast, so that relatives can bless the
couple online without needing to come over. What more can they
think of?