The Impact of the New Technology and Social Isolation - Assignment Example

Technology and Social Isolation Introduction The impact of the new technology marked by the advent of the internet, social networking sites and video game revolution remains a great issue of concern in the US society and across the globe. Many people across the globe interact and using the many social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Available statistics indicates that there are almost 50 million active users of social media for communication, networking, sharing ideas ands socializing in real time. Many argue that the new technology is effective in promoting socialization and human connectedness. However, I disagree with this position because I believe that these technologies promote isolation among individuals, promote de-socialization among the youth and promote the development of cyber friends with little or no social ties and bonds. In this paper, I will explore some of the research literature available in providing evidence for the existing controversial debates surrounding the new technological developments and my position regarding their impacts. Promoters of the new technology argue that it has immense benefits to the growth and development of the society in terms of promoting socialization and human connectedness. Amichai-Hamburgera & Hayat (2011) explores the impact of the new technology on the social lives its users. Through an analysis of a representative sample of 22,002 internet users across 13 countries, they were able to analyze the social implication of the internet and its related information communication technologies. Their study indicates that the internet has a strong impact on the users and their relationships. The study established a positive correlation between the internet use and social interactions implying that the internet significantly enhances the social lives of its users. Another key benefit commonly cited by promoters of the new technology is that it promotes the cognitive development and socialisation skills among the youth and adolescents. According to Shapiro(2013), the new technology, especially video gaming played in the cooperative multiplayer mode encourages children and youth to play in groups. He argues that through this interatcion, children are able to develop strong bonds and teams with their partners both within and outside the gaming context thus leading to improved socialization and interaction. Although many argue that the advent of the new technology is beneficial to the society, I believe that it has serious negative impacts on the children, youth and adolescents in terms of socialization and personal development. According to Fallahi(2011), the growth of the internet and its related information technologies have negative effects on the attitudes and behaviors of children and adolecents. Using primary research, Fellahi was able to explore the impact of the use of the internet and social networking sites of the socialization and behavior of youth. The study employed the use of UCLA Loneliness scale and Young Scale for Internet addiction to evaluate the social implications of the new technology. The findings from the study indicate that youth spend most of their time interacting, socializing and chatting on their internet connected devices. The findings also indicate that the amount of time spent on the internet leads to addiction and thus promoting social isolation among the youth. Such children experience challenges in their social development and find it very hard to relate with their peers, families and teachers. In addition to this, they find it difficult to perform social roles, develop interpersonal skills and interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Similarly, McGrath(2012) explores the impact of the new technology on socialiation in the households. He was able to demonstrate the negative impact of new technology on socialization through an analysis of the impact of new technologies such video games, internet, e-mailing, other online games, TV, mobile phone, music player. Apart of negative effects on the social and personal development of youth, I also believe that the internet and its related information technologies have weakened the social ties between human relations. This has led to development of “online friends” with no strong social ties and attachments. A study by Hampton, Sessions, Her & Rainie (2009) provides a great deal of insights into the problem of isolation experienced in the American society because of the advent of the new information technology. The study indicates that it is very difficult to develop true and long term friends and relations because of two main reasons. Firstly, lack of face-to-face interactions forces the online users to create and manage impressions to suit their online relational goals. This leads to lack of trust and honesty which are important ingredients to true friendships. Secondly, social networking sites allow for people to hide or disguise their true identity behind fake or altered pictures, images and names. Using statistical regressions, the researchers were able to prove that the new technology has increased levels of social isolation, weakened social ties between individuals and led to a decline in local community setup and traditional ways of discussion and interaction among people. The result of this isolation is the development of cyber friends and reduced human connectedness and interaction. Similarly, Vroon (2009) observes that technological factors are to blame for the increased decline in the social elements of the society leading to isolation. Vrooon argues that the television and music causes addiction among people leading to increased isolation and decline information of strong friendships. The subject of the advent of the new technology, including video gaming, internet and its related information communication technologies remains a great issue of debate and controversy. Despite the various arguments of the important benefits of these technologies, I still believe that these technologies are harmful to the society. I believe that human beings are social beings who rely on face-to-face meeting and personal interactions for social fulfillment and development. The new technology promotes isolation and de-socialization among the youth, weakens social ties among individuals and results in the development of cyber friends with no strong social bonds common in offline friendships. References Amichai-Hamburgera, Y., & Hayat, Z. (2011). The impact of the Internet on the social lives of users: A representative sample from 13 countries. Computers in Human Behavior, 27(1), 585–589. Fallahi, V. (2011). Effects of ICT on the youth: A study about the relationship between internet usage and social isolation among Iranian students. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 15, 394-398. Hampton, K., Sessions, L., Her, E., & Rainie, L. (2009). Social isolation and new technology: How the internet and mobile phones impact Americans’ social networks. Pew Internet & American Life Project. McGrath, S. (2012). The Impact of New Media Technologies on Social Interaction in the ` Household. Department of Sociology, National University of Ireland Maynooth. Shapiro, J. (27 Nov. 2013). 4 Reasons Video Games Are Good For Your Health (According To ` American Psychological Association). Retrieved on 13 April 2014 from ` http://www.forbes.com/sites/jordanshapiro/2013/11/27/4-reasons-video-games-` are-` good-for-your-health-according-to-american-psychological-association/> Vroon. (2009). The Distracted Generation Victims of Technology. American Record Guide , 72 (3), 53. Read More