As the technology keeps growing and being better every day, the impact of technology on our social lives is being discussed in our classroom. The defenders of positive impacts and defenders of the negative impacts are even! This led to complex issues between both sides, and which one is right.
On the beneficial side, technology has affected people by making it effortless to maintain friendships across continents and share experiences in a game or a meeting. A video call with a relative abroad or a group chat with classmates for a project are perfect examples of how technology brings people closer without being near them.
On the negative side, the friend count, or followers, can be misleading. These high numbers of online connections usually lack the depth and emotion of real-world friendships. True friendship requires a share of emotions, trust, and physical touch, which are key elements that a screen can’t replicate. Also, it can cause a lot of trouble since you don’t know who you are talking to, what their background or age most of the time.
In my opinion, the important factor is balance in usage. Technology should be a tool to enhance our social lives, not replace them. We must prioritise face-to-face interactions, where we can read body language and offer genuine emotional support. The technology shouldn’t impact our friendships in a bad way.
Long story short, technology offers us an incredible bridge to everyone in the world, but we mustn’t get lost in it. By maintaining a balance, we can enjoy the best of both worlds, the wide reach of digital connection and the trust of a real and true friend.
