La Voz

Issue date: 6/22/09 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Brandon Selph

Technology has changed the way humans interact with one another; there is no questioning that. The real question is: is it to our advantage or our detriment? To answer that, let us look at the ways our communication has been affected.

For people of my generation, a good amount of the communication process happens through cell phones; be it calling, texting, picture messaging, video messaging, or even using the Internet, if the phone has the appropriate applications.

Our use of phones is excessive. When picking up a friend, it seems more likely for someone to call when they arrive than walk up to the door and knock. One may ask, what does knocking on the door has to do with human relations? Isn't it just easier to stay in the car with the engine running?

It may seem that way, yet when you go out of the car and get to the door, your friend isn't always going to be the first and only person you see. It's possible that someone else would answer the door, be it your friend's parents, siblings, other family members or roommates, chances are you will start by introducing yourself, then asking to see your friend. Your interaction with these people may be very short, and you may not develop a relationship with them; however it might expand your relationship with the person you came to see. Basically, you will discover new things about your friends by meeting the people they live with.

Another example of where technology has affected our human relations is in learning about our hobbies. If you want to learn to dance, skateboard, build a computer or make a soufflé, you just go straight to YouTube or Google, right?

With this method of learning new things, you do not meet other people who have a common interest with you, nor do you expand a relationship with those who you already know, and may have the same interest.

What did we do to learn new things before the internet? We took a class, read a book or asked other people; we didn't use any search engines.

Sure it is much easier to just watch a few videos on YouTube and learn what you want to know, but ask yourself: is YouTube going to hang out with you?

YouTube can suggest videos for you to learn more, but wouldn't you rather have friends share their knowledge with you?

I will not debate the fact that technology has made information cheaper, faster and easier to access. However it is happening at the cost of our relationships with one another. Which is more important, getting information easily or having a connection with other people?

It seems to me the answer is obvious. Unfortunately, with the way technology and society is progressing, there is no feasible way to stop this. The best possible course of action is for people to be aware of how they are using technology, and realize how this is affecting their lives.

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