The Debate (no.49); "Technology: Bringing the World Closer Together"

Myself @aspiya From #Bangladesh

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Greetings Wonderful Individuals

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Today I’m glad to discuss in this intellectual debate organized @sahmie in Steem Fashion&style community. The topic for this week is DOES TECHNOLOGY SEPARATE OR BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER? Can make the subject both timely and significant inasmuch technology has permeated our society significantly. Beginning with coordinated worldwide calls in seconds to the increased use of networking sites, one cannot underestimate technological influence on interpersonal relations. Let me deepen my thoughts about my confirmed hypothesis that technology connects people as a single unifying and integral part in contemporary society or is a divider that enshrines a wall between people. Let the discussion begin.

Do you feel closer to your friends and family because of social media, or do you think it keeps you apart?

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Yes, I think I have really connected with my friends and families due to social media. Staying connected in a conventional method can be difficult today, given that, due to work or other obligations, people have to live in different cities than their partners. However, this gap is well covered by the social media where we can easily share moments, thoughts and updates wherever we are.

Rather, it’s through calling, texting, photo, and video sharing on various platforms, I honestly believe that I am part of my loved ones’ daily lives from the other side of the screen. It helps me to share their glad moments and their sorrow and also to keep friends even if staying with them can be hardly possible physically.

In regards to social media I have become to feel much closer to my family and friends even though they are far away. Its tools that connect us, and make the distance between us seem small, at least in terms of communication.

How often do you use your phone or computer to talk to people compared to meeting them in person?

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It took me a while to comprehend that speaking through my phone or using a computer is way more favorable than actually speaking to people face to face. We often have no time for friends and due to work or other obligations, we live in different cities, so technology is the main connection tool for me. Whether it is through messaging, call or via social networks, it is very easy to interact at almost any time and from any location.

Although I still love face to face instead of other forms of communication, it is done occasionally due to the busy schedules and distance. That void is addressed by digital communication, and I am in a position to easily manage my friendships without having to wait and meet the persons physically. It is not real life, so it is not a replacement for it, but it does wonders to keep a spark in relationships no matter the distance.

Can technology help us make new friends, or does it mainly connect us with people we already know?

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I think technology can help its users to meet new friends, yet bring together friends they may have known each other. Different social networks, communities and various applications offer a chance to find people with similar interests we could never come across in real life. For example, communication in discussion lists or newsgroups by chosen topics can result on the development of rather close friendships with persons coming from different countries.

On the same note, reaching out is swift since technology has made it possible to connect us with individuals we already know. By the use of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Facetime I can easily communicate with friends and families regardless of distance apart.

According to me, technology has helped me to find new friends, but also to maintain communication with friends, with whom I have been communicating, in any case, for years. In the era of globalization it has become a very effective means of both creating and sustaining relationships.

Have you ever felt lonely while using social media? Why do you think that happens?

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Definitely, I have sometimes gotten the feelings of loneliness whenever I am using the social media, and my main idea is that social media tends to give people the feeling of companionship without necessarily offering them warmth. Sometimes, scrolling through the posts, people publish only the good moments of their lives – happy celebrations, beautiful trips, or joyful experiences that make me want to have these feelings too, even if my life is not empty, and I have everything I need.

While the online communication could feel like a real life interaction both those random likes and comments could never compare to actually having a conversation on the phone or being in the same room with the person. While social media allow people to come closer, it does not offer an emotional feeling like one in actual life.

How has technology changed the way we communicate with each other

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To my understanding, technology has impacted the way people communicate in the society by increasing the speed of communicating in a society. We are surrounded by Smartphones, Social networks, Messaging apps that let you connect with anyone at any place. Teleconference enables one to talk on video and feel close even physically separating with his family or friends while Sam, group conversation allow you to talk with many at a time.

Although it avails new possibilities to make one understood through images, audio or video, short replies replace actual conversations. Nevertheless, people seem to prefer this format for staying connected which, given the current rates of development, is extremely valuable.

Altogether, technology has advanced the processes of unification of the world, by making communication with other people much faster and easily. As it can never compare to the physical presence it helps us stay connected and help to overcome distance.