Many people say that technology makes us more alone, but technology is actually bringing us closer together than ever before. In the article “Disruptions: More Connected, Yet More Alone” by Nick Bilton, Bilton argues that although cell phones keep us more connected, it ironically at the same time made us more alone. I disagree, I have never been more connected with my friends with the help of social media and recent advancements in technology. It is easier to make plans with friends with the use of social media. Only a mere generation prior, plans were made either in person or through a phone call. If, by chance a last minute change had to be made or someone could not make it, not everybody owned cell phones and therefore could not be contacted. Nowadays, if I cannot make it to a friends house, or a social outing, I can simply send a single message to all whom it concerns. Also, social media helps me to keep in contact with my friends. You might think that this is a bit much considering I see my friends at school everyday, but I am referring to friends made outside of school that I do not see often. I constantly keep in touch with several of my friends who do not attend my high school. Technology and social media helps me to maintain my friendships with friends I rarely see. In the article, Charlene deGuzman, an actress in a YouTube video about cell phone isolation, is stated saying, “I still have my phone with me, but I try to leave it in my purse. Now I find myself just taking in a moment, and I don’t have to post a picture about it.” I’ve always agreed with the maxim that pictures speak a thousand words. deGuzman in her quote, considering the context of the quote in the article, is most likely talking about taking pictures during everyday outings like meals at restaurants. However, I find it important to note that picture taking should not be devalued because of the recent reputation technology has in our social activity. Taking pictures can be a great way of sharing an experience or remembering a great one for years to come.
I completely agree with this post. It feels like these days, technology is only criticized and identified as something maleficent. People seem to forget that there are so many benefits to technology too that wouldn't have been possible just a decade ago.
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Alex Choi
1/20/2015 01:24:00 pm
The use of technology through social media has definitely ELEVATED the connectivity of people. It is in the hands of the people, at which they can control the time of events at their fingertips. The simple access also creates an encouraging interaction between people.
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Alex Robinson
1/27/2015 04:32:25 am
I disagree with you Patrick. I think you missed the point that the other side of this argument was trying to make. While, yes, you may be able to notify people last minute when you cannot meet up with them, technology actually creates a rift between you and those people when you CAN meet up. Now, instead of enjoying other people's company, you will spend a good portion of the time buried in your phone or staring at a computer screen. So what I think people mean when they say that technology is making us less social is that even though we can contact people more easily, we are unable to live outside of our technology boxes.
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