Do you think our lives are too heavily technologized?

Question

I mean, think about the amount of time we spend on Answers alone. I think it's a great site, but sometimes I think I spend more time on the internet than I do doing anything else--and I'm a busy person.

I'm also fairly shy and introverted, so I don't feel very comfortable approaching people and discussing issues I care about, like I can on answers or on a 360 blog or something.

But I wonder if it's not becoming a problem. The internet is great in a lot of respects, but what about the time it takes away from us for making real friendships with real people, and investing more into the relationships that we have?

For instance, random people approach me on my blog and comment and then ask to be my "friend" because they like my writing. Yet, I was at a party recently where most people huddled in groups or spoke on their cell phones--and here was a real opportunity to connect with new "real" people!

What do you guys think?

Answer 1

I think we are but it has helped me to open up in person with people. I guess we could tone it down but I don't think I could. I also think the internet speak is becomeing a problem, I hate it. is it really so much harder to spell what that wat? come on people. Kids aren't going to be able to spell soon.

Answer 2

You're absolutely right. Technology is devastating us. And the wierd thing is, it doesn't have to. It could be a good thing that brings people closer to each other. But people are considering technology like the Internet, TV, Ipod... as a place where they can hide from facing their problems. It's good to have a place to seek asylum in the hard times, but people have taken it toooo far.

It's like everywhere I go, I see people with ipods. Instead of facing their communication or interaction problems, they just shut out the world and immerse themselves in music. And this creates socially retarded and apathetic people - exactly what the world doesn't need right now.

It's an intelligent question. Two thumbs up for you!

Answer 3

I really think that our current status as Western citizens lacks a lot of direct human relationships.
Talk with people ? No, send SMS's or MMS's.
Visit a country ? No, do a "virtual trip" with Internet.
Court a woman ? No, go to a dating site.
Go to the movies ? No, watch stupid series on television.
Listen to music ? No, download (free) clips.
And so on.

On top of that, it is established that kids who watch too much television and/or play to much video games have serious problems at school : it looks like their ability to focalise on a serious subject is only 20% on average as for normal kids.

So my answer is yes, it is not ecoming a problem, IT IS ALREADY a serious problem. We evolute like some Sci Fi universes when everything, art, feelings, etc. is monitored or even controlled by computers.

Answer 4

I agree, i too find myself spending too much time on the internet i once heard a quote, "the internet is the biggest flop in mankind" while the internet is a great "tool" i think its more of a weapon.

Nothing replaces a face-to-face relationship.

I too am shy and believe that the internet is not helping it in any way whatsoever.

Answer 5

I think people feel they have the opportunity to be viewed by their thoughts instead of their outward appearance. In a sense, then. technology has somewhat come full circle so that the TV version of a facade of beauty is negated back to a sense of hearing someone first without being distracted by the facade.

Answer 6

ive thought alot about the same thing like is life getting to impersonal, i mean whats going to happen to communities when you dont have to rely on anyone to do any thing for you

Answer 7

I think good of your habit. Be a friend

Answer 8

i think techno is everywhere.and scary..

Answer 9

oh yes oh yes oh yes.