Human Contact...?

Question

Alot of people talk about how the electronic age and computers are destroying the fabric of socialization. Kids don't play outside because they're playing video games. People don't talk, they 'e-mail' and 'blog'. Even advertising is addressing this question as in a recent 'Applebee's' ad campaign.

My personal opinion is that the electronic age has opened up the world to communication between people that would otherwise never have contact with each other. I also feel that too much is being made about the importance of physical interaction simply out of a sense of nostalgia.

What do you think?

[To missheathernichole] I never said that ther aren't side effects. And I believe that it is up to people to recognize that any activity can be taken to excess. Kids don't need to be attached to their video games 24/7. But I think that people who proclaim that these things are bad are extremely overstating the issue.

To address the question of anonymity:
What is wrong about being able to free oneself from the anxiety of personal contact in terms of being able to speak more freely? I admit, these are skills that should be developed, but is it not also advantageous to communicate, perhaps more honestly, with others without social constraints?

Answer 1

I think that it is brilliant that I can communicate with such a diverse group of people via computer. I have access to people I otherwise would never have the opportunity to know. I have not met many people in my area who are able to hold conversations that stimulate me intellectually. So, for this reason, I am particularly appreciative. I have also been exposed to new ideas and fresh ways of looking at things.

One great thing about communicating via the computer is that a lot of barriers are torn down. I am not sexist or racist, however, I know there are people in this world who develop a preconceived notion of people based on appearances. When communicating via the internet, you never know who you might be talking to. People are more likely to base their opinion of someone as a result of "how" and "what" they communicate. I actually think it is a wonderful advancement.

It also seems that people are more willing to openly disagree with others via internet communication. Perhaps it could be said that this form of communication opens the door to a bit more honesty.

We have also benefited in so many ways as a result of the efficiency of communicating in this way. I’m pretty sure I don’t have to give examples of this, as they are self-evident.

As far as the issues raised by some people here about children not playing outside, obesity, violence, etc., those are issues that have a lot of factors… not just the electronic age. I think perhaps some of the “evils” are directly related to the disintegration of “family,” which in my opinion has very little to do with technology. But, as per usual, we look for things to blame rather than holding ourselves accountable. That is a conversation for another day, so I’ll leave it at that.

Regardless of what bad has prevailed as a result of the technological age, I think the good far outweighs it.

Answer 2

I personally believe it is important to "communicate" in a non-judgemental manner. My experience has taught me that no matter if one is face to face or screen to screen, we have a tendency to "judge" each other and assert what we believe is good for others. The truth is, I dont really know if the computer has caused childhood obesity any more than I know whether the electronic age is destroying the fabric of society. I know that personally, my life has been enhanced by the use of computers. I can still communicate with people in the "old fashioned way". I am not alone in my ability to assimilate. Both feel right to me.I advocate the "live and let live" philosophy. I can only control what comes out of my own mouth, brain and body (on GOOD days) and this is a full time job. I have no inclination or desire to expend my energy trying to "fix" someone else. Very provocative question..thanks.

Answer 3

I would agree with you as far as communication is concerned. The electronic age has certainly opened more avenues of communication, enhanced ability to gain and gather knowledge and generally given people an outlet for being able to express diverse opinions in an environment they feel is safe (this answer forum, for instance). Leaving nostalgia aside, which is a large part of it, there is also the need to be able to interact with others in school, work and social environments, all of which take place outside of the realm of electronics but make heavy use of them.
However, I also feel that physical activity, socialization and non electronic recreation also needs to be a part of life. Do notice, I said I feel. Its an opinion, mine, and not necessarily right or wrong.
People can blame anything they want to...electronics, devolving social values, the disintegration of the family, etc. for the "problems" they see. The reality is, it is the people involved that must make the conscious effort to "do. "

Answer 4

Gee, your point is well-taken but I think it's really all about "balance" because either side can be taken to the extreme unless one uses good judgment and/or wisdom. There are pros and cons in both arenas but it is up to the individual to decide which of the two fits best in his or her personal lifestyle. Some people readily embrace change while others avoid it like it's the plague; also, more young people seem to have the inclination to move on while the older generation tend to remain, in a sense, stagnant. No, I'm not speaking of all older people nor of all young people because I don't believe in boxing anyone into that sort of thing.
Your question reminds me of the old adage which speaks of "all work and no play". Do nothing but work - not a good idea. Do nothing but play - bad idea. Finally, it's as I said earlier it's really a matter of "balance".
Another good question, Gee.

Answer 5

Communication, interaction, contact = overripe and hollow. It's not people that are spoken of with false confidence here, it is Max Weber's "empty self". What a shock it is for some to finally understand, to understand too late, that the pile of debris they have gathered does not an effulgent castle make. The immediate surroundings can either be traded away, husbanded, or neglected. "What could have been" for the gadgeteer is an even more horrifying prospect.

Never was a world at the bidding of such overripe notions.

Answer 6

I have Aspergers, ADD and social anxeity, so I know what you mean, I couldn't do face to face sales or other types of "social" work to feed myself. When I started out at entry level jobs, I sorted mail for a private company, I also was a backroom closer at a fast food restaurant and I bailed cardboard and cleaned the backroom for a supermarket chain. Now that I am moving into the white collar world, I am looking for employment of an analyst or research nature. One possibility is researching I.R.S. documents to see why they didn't post into the National Data Base (Tax Examiner). For my state opportunity, it involves analyzing doctor reports to see if claimants qualify for disability payments. That position is called a Disability Analyst. Both jobs include doing research and pouring over facts and stats in a cubicle with a computer and moderate to mostly minimal co-worker contact. If hired, I would post my findings into a computer and only call someone if there was an unresolvable issue. Unfortunately, technology innovation is replacing a lot of jobs that didn't need human contact so us less than social folks, have to scramble harder to find employment we can manage.

Answer 7

Agree to a point. In the pre electronic communication era (BC-before computers), communication was time consuming, bogged down by travelling time, self presentation norms, (speech , gestures, clothing dos and donts, ) and generally required too much effort.
Now AC (after computers) the restrictions are lifted, albeit only on some sensory aspects , communication is faster, more to the point, less BS, and on a more genuine level.
That is the good, and I agree as well with the other answers who listed the downside of the anonimity of the web.

Answer 8

I agree it has opened up opportunities but that is not a substitute for physical interaction which involves different forms of communication. ie Being in close proximity to someone has intimacy which involves the use of the senses.
Emailing texting or phone does not involve the use of all the senses therefore it is not a complete communication. Therefore the depth substance & integrity of the communication is questionable because it is incomplete.

Answer 9

I do like physical interaction with people a lot, but I love the electronic age that we are in as well. It can create a lot of problems too. It can give us access to sites and people that may not be good for us and could create problems in relationships because everything is so easily accessible..

Answer 10

I think communication is easier and more attainable now than ever before. It's the stragglers who refuse to buy computers out of fear that frustrate me. No kidding, I've got a neighbor who still insists on typing letters with carbon paper and ribbons. I mean, come on....they need to let go of the past.