TECHNOLOGY CREATES ISOLATION AND NEUROSIS

HAYLEY SCHAAFAPRIL 9th, 2013

Introduction

Statistics

Definition

Technology Pros vs. Cons

Conclusion

Positive Note

Reference List

Statistics

Approximately 95% of people have said something through a form of technology that they would not say in person

“Internet users are 38% less likely to rely exclusively on their spouses as discussion confidents” (Rainie, 2009).

“Physically being with others can lead to a release of the 'feel good' hormone oxytocin, which is an anti-inflammatory” (Morgan, 2011).

What is Social Isolation?

As defined by an online source, “it is a state or process in which persons, groups, or cultures lose or do not have communication or cooperation with one another, often resulting in open conflict”

(dictionary.reference.com, 2012).

• Can lead to forms of depression and other mental illnesses

Technology that plays a role in isolation and

neurosisThe Smartphone

Video games

The Internet & Social Networks

The Television

Google Glass

Self-Serve

The SmartphonePROS

Communication is much more convenient

Allows access to World Wide Web at any time

CONS

Losing concept of how to verbally communicate – several people text or email bad new rather than in person

Generation that has a lowered attention level

Wrong use of technology, society has a loss of privacy

Video GamesPros

Hand eye co-ordination

Currently used as a training tool in some industries such as the military

Gain motor skills

Cons

Highly addictive form of technology

Potentially ruins relationships due to addiction and lack of intimacy

Fall into a state of mental illness from lack of personal interaction

Internet* Social Networks

Pros Cons

Networking sites are starting to become a breading grounds for cyber bullying

Loss of personal communication skills – therefore potentially leading to a form of isolation

Less interaction while shopping due to online stores and shipping to our door step

Online banking and other online services creates easy and convenient service; however some people that use ALL forms of online services will begin to lose their social interaction skills

Access to virtually millions of databases full of information

E-commerce cuts costs for several businesses

Easy to keep in contact with those far away

The TelevisionPros

Enables us to keep in touch with real world current events

Great learning experiences for all (ie. For kids- Bill Nye or Magic School Bus)

Cons

Deceiving for some, such as the perfection of those in the media– Feel for the need of perfection can lead to negative self image thoughts which can lead to depression and neurosis

There are those who abuse the television, with various things such as addiction or pornography – which can ruin relationships and lead to isolation

Google GlassPros

Hands-free phone– phone calls safer while driving

Access to world wide web, camera, phone all with voice/ one-touch activation

Cons

Distraction- the data is placed in your line of site, therefore the user may be concentrated more on the data then the environment around them (Baldwin, 2012)

Privacy issues- this may work backwards and cause those not using the glasses to isolate themselves more due to privacy issues of the camera on the glasses, not knowing when a

Self-serve Pros

Fast easy way to pay

Convenience for customers and employees is the main idea

Cons

Less interaction with sale associates, therefore reducing social interaction

The issue with self serve machines is that they are everywhere. We can literally go to the bank machine to get money, the gas station to fill up, the grocery store to get food, they even have movie dispenser rentals in some stores now. It was okay when there was just an ATM to do banking fast, however now that every industry almost has some form of self serve machinery, it may have more of an impact on our society’s social interaction level. Majority of these services can be done online as well from the comfort of your home, however some people that is all they do.

ConclusionOverall technology has impacted us immensely psychologically. Not

only is it an addictive distraction for several, it consumes a large amount of our time and we become so dependent on it. As a result we no longer feel the need to interact as much with others. Technology is in a way driving our society into a state of isolation with online shopping, self serve machines and smartphones that can do just about anything. Part of the problem is majority of the technology is addictive, therefore leading to isolation which can result in neurosis and depression. However as you can see in this presentation there are several good aspects of each technology, therefore people need to learn how to respect the usage of technology and use it appropriately.

On a more positive note..

As stated in an online article, “In this fast pace of life where people don’t have time for their own, technology helps every person to save time and can spend that leisure time on other creative things, passions and other activities”(Speedupyourlife, 2010).

Technology may not be the problem, I believe the users are the problem. If society learns to respect the limits of appropriate technology usage, this may not become a situation of isolation and neurosis.

Reference ListBaldwin, H. (2012). Google’s project glass eyewear. PCWorld Retrieved from http://www.pcworld.com/article/253259/googles_project_glass_eyewear_next_big_google_flop_or_hit_.html

Morgan, B. (2011). Is Technology making us lonely? The Pulse: ABC Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2011/11/03/3353184.htm#.UWH9IUI2_lI

N/A. (2010). The impact of technology in your life. Speedupyourlife. Retrieved from http://www.speedupyourlife.com/the-impact-of-technology-in-your-life/

Rainie, L. (2009). How the internet and mobile phones impact Americans’ social networks. Pew Internet & American Life Project Retrieved from http://www.site.uottawa.ca/stan.csi2911/Pew.pdf

dictionary.reference.com Social Isolation