Technology Corrodes Human Solidarity

Fernando Gomez

Mr. Bartelt

AP English Language and Comp

28 August 2017

Technology Corrodes Human Solidarity

Technology has been used for a long time in assisting human beings to perform their activities in an efficient manner. Communication is one of the areas where technology has brought transformation by the introduction of fast and reliable means of reaching other people. Some of the technological devices used in communication include mobile phones, robots, tablets, and computers. The communication devices are linked together through the Internet in such a way that a device is able to convey to and receive messages from different geographical locations. The great advancement that has made communication effective is the introduction of desktop and mobile phone applications that enable the devices to communicate with one another (Davis 1). Such applications include email, chat, social media and messaging applications that can be installed on a computer or a smartphone. Besides, the devices have well-designed touch screens that make them interactive and amusing to use. These technological gadgets have the capacity to take the attention of an individual even when he or she is among friends. Currently, communication through devices prevails over human-to-human interaction; hence technology threatens human solidarity (Garber 7). Most individuals can afford or have access to a technological device that has the necessary application and the Internet capability to facilitate communication. Instead of meeting a person, it is possible to exchange messages via a mobile phone or emails and convey the information.

        There are different ways in which technology has corroded human solidarity and promoted abandonment of face-to-face conversations. Firstly, the conversations are not contextual. When chatting, it is difficult to understand if the other person is serious, making jokes, being funny, or criticizing the topic of discussion. At times, the communications information is ambiguous and difficult to understand what the sender meant. The failure to understand one another during a conversation via technological devices leads to a breakdown of communication. There are times when the message sent is wrongly interpreted and causes a conflict between the communicating parties. Secondly, communication via devices does not provide empathy, which is an essential aspect in conversations. Without seeing the person on the other end of a communication channel, it is almost impossible to understand how they feel, thus people cannot empathize with each other. A message empathizing with a friend cannot deliver the needed emotions to show the strong bond of relationship. Thirdly, communication supported by technology cannot deliver the necessary personal touch (Davis 2). There are situations that require a hug or a handshake from a friend, actions which cannot be delivered via communication devices. The various ‘emojis' found on applications to represent emotional states are not able to deliver personal connection to the receiver. Similar to animals, human beings require closeness and personal touches to enhance the relationship bonds between the involved parties (Stafford, Laura, and Joshua 304). Prolonged communication via technology only creates an emotional rift between two human beings and corrodes human solidarity.