Technology Creates Social Isolation and Neurosis

By: Cody Woodhouse

Introduction

DefinitionsTypes of technologiesHow these technologies effect social isolationPro’s and con’sIs it really that bad?Conclusion

Definitions

Isolate- to set or place apart; detach or separate so as to be alone.

Neurosis-a relatively mild personality disorder typified by excessive anxiety or indecision and a degree of social or interpersonal maladjustment.

Technologies that influence social isolation

ComputersCell phones

iPhone SiriTablets

TelevisionVideo gamesSelf serving services

Computers

Many people will often spend mass amounts of time on the computer doing tasks that serve no purpose

Attending to a computer in order to update your facebook page or to tweet becomes a priority to some

People have started to believe that conversing with others via computers is an acceptable substitute for face-to-face interaction

Cell Phones

We often text people when we have bad news rather than telling them in person

Kids are obtaining cell phones at such a young age and are using them every day

People are constantly texting others to talk instead of actually calling them

Smartphones are a portable substitute method to check facebook or twitter

Tablets and Siri

Tablets Tablets such as the iPad

influence social isolation by being so portable and convenient to bring everywhere

Siri iPhone’s ‘Siri’ allows for

voice communication, but only with a device.

For some, talking to Siri fulfills their personal need for interaction with others

Television It is common to spend any leisure time watching television

Following the stereotype that men don’t want to be disturbed by their wife/girlfriend or family while watching sports

“over the course of childhood, youngsters spend more time watching TV than they spend in school” (Daily Telegraph reporter, 2012. para 2).

Video Games Countless hours have been spent playing video games by kids, teenagers and young adults

An obsession for video games can be developed

Playing games online with “friends” that have never met in person

“These days, screens of one kind or another occupy youth for 50 hours a week” (Oskin, 2012. para 7).

Self Serve Services

Self serve services reduces the social interaction on a day-to-day basis

You can get money from the bank, fill up your car at the gas station, go buy groceries at the store and go home and have no human contact whatsoever

Pro’s and Con’s of Technology effecting Social Isolation

Pro’s Keep in touch over distance Quick and easy Text when you get the

chance Can be relaxing Bring the technology with

you

Con’s Spend too much time using

these technologies Neglect human interaction Rely on these technologies

to be there Failure to limit time isolated

by using these technologies Lack of brain power

required

Is it really that bad?

Although these technologies can lead to social isolation, it can also reduce it. Using social media networks provides opportunities to meet new friends that we may keep for the rest of our lives.

A company called Pew Internet conducted a survey which provided results that suggested these technologies reduced social isolation.

“people who regularly use digital technologies are more social than the average American and more likely to visit parks and cafes, or volunteer for local organizations” (Olsen, 2009. para 3).

Conclusion

It is logical that those who are involved in social media networks are also involved in the community. Social media networks provide the option to discover new and existing community events. As socially isolating as technology can be, as long as we are capable of controlling how much we use it and what ways we use it, it doesn’t have to be such a negative aspect.

SourcesDaily Telegraph reporter. (2012) Children 'spend more time watching TV than at school. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/9595317/Children-spend-more-time-watching-TV-than-at- school.html

Dictionary.com

Olsen, S. (2009) Does technology reduce social isolation?. Retrieved from http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/does- technology-reduce-social-isolation/

Oskin, B. (2012) Teens and video games: How much is too much? Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/08/13/teens-and-video- games-how-much-is-too-much/