Question

How is technology changing interpersonal relationship in our contemporary society? Think of cell phones, blackberries, Ipads, Ipods, etc. Do you think these changes are good or bad, or good and bad? Explain Is there any indication that technology is making our lives better? Could it be that earlier, simpler societies such as hunting and gathering societies, were superior than our own in terms of human relationships? Watch these videos. Share what you learned. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTGKUwMegZ4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M0iojAIfU0&spfreload=10

Answer 1

In my view, technology is a double-edged sword, with positives and negatives. The extent to which it impacts interpersonal relationships depends purely on how it’s used by us. Technology, in itself, is value-neutral and is developed in order to make our lives easier. It becomes disruptive only when we begin to rely excessively on it, especially when it comes to interpersonal relationships.

There’s a growing concern among people that the use of online mediums are replacing face to face interaction. This is then linked to an increasing sense of alienation and isolation. Although I would never personally advocate going back to the hunting-gathering era, a balance between technology and traditional methods should be prioritised. We must never forget how technology facilitates our lives, making it possible for us to pursue activities over and above meeting our base needs. We just need to be careful that we don’t use it to cause our detriment.