In Sherry Turkle’s talk Connected, But Alone?, she suggests that technology is disconnecting us from our interpersonal relationships. She emphasizes that technology allows us to edit and present ourselves in a way that suits us. It allows us to control how we are viewed, and ultimately makes us feel less lonely in the world. But by avoiding conversation and replacing it with internet connections, we lose sight of those relationships that mean so much. She encourages us to make more time for face to face connections, but she also does not deny that technology is valuable. It’s all about how we use it. By replacing screen time with real conversations, we can build more relationships. She asserts that it is ultimately up to the person to find the balance between their online profiles and their actual reality. By expecting more from people and less from technology, we can find the importance and value of interpersonal relationships.
Sherry Turkle’s idea of social media encroaching upon interpersonal relationships is a valid argument and something I have witnessed occur on numerous occasions. Her argument that “technology appeals to us most when we are most vulnerable ” (Turkle) is daily occurrence. I agree that technology has begun to overpower our relationships that are in a physical setting, and migrate them to become online relationships. Although Facebook, for example, is good at staying connected to family and friends who are spread across the world, the constant need to stay connected with them causes us to disconnect from a relationship that is directly next to us. Technology allows us to feel connected when we are alone or vulnerable, but the idea of being alone can still be felt while being online. Although you may think that by constantly checking social media that you are staying connected and involved, but I think you can still feel extremely lonely even if you are online in that moment. Society is so focused on staying connected that we are continuing to lose sight of our “real” relationships. I agree with Turkle that there is a balance between technology and reality, but it is up to us to find that equilibrium.
While I agree with you that when we tend to move towards social media instead of making real-life connections, I wonder if for some people it’s the only way to make connections. Many people suffer from social anxiety and struggle to make those personal connections in real life. They can use social media as a way to make connections in a way that is comfortable for them. I understand that you believe that turning to social media for connections can make someone even more lonely, but I also see it being a great resource for people who struggle engaging with others in person.
Good work on your response, Megan, and good work on your counter-argument, Maddie! We will talk more in class about it.