The introduction of contemporary technologies, such as phones, computers, and other electronic devices, has had a significant impact on people’s lives. This includes their personal relationships with loved ones. Like past challenges arising from human ignorance, the current technological advancements are infiltrating various aspects of individuals’ lives.
Technology is increasingly integrated into people’s daily lives, playing a role in monitoring and controlling their weaknesses. In her essay “Online but Not Antisocial,” Janna Malamud Smith argues that the Internet is like a member of our family. To support this claim, the author provides specific examples, including statistics about the amount of time her family spends online. This excessive online activity often replaces valuable family gathering time, such as dinner. Despite the drawbacks, the author believes that the Internet offers easy access to the outside world, which can be preferable to interacting with potentially untrustworthy individuals in person. The author even mentions how online shopping has simplified life, stating, “I don’t miss fighting the shopping mall crowds this Christmas.” Shopping online offers a significant improvement over shopping at physical stores.
The author highlights the convenience of online shopping compared to traditional mall shopping. The examples of online privacy and forming friendships are used to support this argument. However, the author believes that the root issue lies in people’s mindset and behavior. To prevent teenagers from becoming addicted to the Internet, parents should monitor their online activities. This idea is reinforced by Kaveri Subrahmanyam’s story “Digital Youth: Connecting Developmental Tasks to Online Behavior,” which explains how modern technologies have made families susceptible. Teenagers, who are digital natives, prefer spending time on social media websites rather than engaging in family events.
Excessive Internet use among teenagers has a detrimental effect on their family relationships, leading to a lack of communication between parents and children. Instead of seeking guidance from their parents, teens now rely on social media sites, which may not provide reliable information. Additionally, Internet addiction is prevalent in today’s society. According to a survey conducted by Shan Li of the LA Times, more than half of Americans would rather give up chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine for a week than temporarily part with their phones. The use of media has become an addiction that individuals cannot live without; some even check their phones during dates. Internet addicts often experience psychological distress like depression, anxiety, and fear that life would be dull without the Internet. These addicts lose track of time spent on electronic devices and prefer communicating through social media rather than face-to-face interactions.
In the past, meeting girls typically involved going to bars, clubs, or parties and mustering up enough confidence to approach an attractive girl. However, social media networking has replaced this traditional method. Technological advancements have led to people becoming addicted and losing their ability to communicate and connect with others in person, resulting in a rise in antisocial behavior. While technology can be useful if used correctly – such as limiting daily usage to two hours instead of five – it should not consume one’s attention entirely. For instance, constantly checking one’s phone at the dinner table with family is inappropriate. Minimizing technology usage is crucial for preventing negative impacts on relationships with loved ones. Despite the advantages of technology, its disadvantages should not be overlooked as they can lead to further distress.
