Technology and its Effects on Human Interaction Essay Example

In modern society, a person can attend a business meeting, purchase the week’s groceries, and have a game night with their friends all without leaving the comfort of their desk chair. For anyone with anxiety or a general dislike for people, this probably sounds like paradise. Technology eliminates the need for unnecessary conversations or awkward silences when most necessities can be fulfilled from a few simple taps. Although some people believe the limitation of human contact due to the technology’s development could be a large issue,  the limitation caused by technology can also be beneficial for individuals who struggle to communicate and people trying to make connections as a whole. 

The limitation of contact due to the advancement of technology can be beneficial to individuals dealing with communication struggles. For example, individuals who suffer from anxiety may have a hard time leaving the house and speaking to others; Technology can help to mitigate this issue. The ability to shop and communicate without the need to look anyone directly in the eyes can assist by allowing individuals to do what they need in work, school, or daily life, without the stress and illness anxiety can cause. Additionally, it can assist by giving the individual more time to think through their words or decisions without the pressure of wasting others time. Alongside the help for those with mental illnesses that cause struggles with communication, it can help those who physically struggle to communicate. Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals can be widely aided by the popularity of online communication. They can participate in a conversation over email or another typed medium as much as any person without a hearing impairment. This makes things such as careers or interviews far more accessible to people in these sorts of situations. (Communication that feels accessible is something that everyone should have access to and the innovation of technology is doing just that.) 

 Though some see online communities as intimidating, creating connections and meaningful relationships can often be done more efficiently and comfortably in online contexts. In person, finding people with similar hobbies and likes can be difficult. Typically, to meet people with similar interests in person, individuals must find a club or class that fits their schedule, budget, and is within their area. When online, people tend to flock to areas of interest. This often leads to the creation of thousands of artworks, comment threads, and online communities that connect people from all over the world who share a love for something without the need for gatherings or classes. People can talk and collaborate any time of the day. Additionally, meeting online can often be more comfortable. In person meetings can often be intimidating, and worrying about word choices, appearances, and making a good first impression can often ruin the experience of meeting people and talking about interests. Online, people can jump into conversations and add their input without the awkwardness of interrupting someone or physically entering the group having the conversation. (Online communication can be a safe-haven for those struggling to make friends with the people around them and can be just as effective and meaningful, if not more, than any interaction in person.)

The limitation of human interaction technology’s advancements may cause can be positive in many scenarios, including accessibility for those who may struggle with communication and in building connections between people. [Individuals should be able to have successful careers and make friends who share interests regardless of their needs or disabilities, and technology advancing and becoming more prominent can make the perfect spaces for them to get what they deserve.] Accessibility is something that thousands of people go without on a day to day basis whether it is simply getting groceries or finding a healthy support system, and the positive effects and opportunities that technological advancements and limited contact can create should not be written off.