My big question is how does technology affect our relationships? This big topic question is vital for others in our community on a global level because we will learn how much technology is sufficient for our relationships with others. I want to help others thrive in this technology-based world. Healthy communication in our relationships may prevent global problems such as wars, poverty, fights and pollution. We will never be able to live without technology, so why not use it for our benefit?
How do we use technology to communicate? This question will help me address my big question because communication is key in a strong relationship. As technology is a huge term, I want to focus on the communication part of technology. For example, Facetime, social media, texting, etc.
We use technology in our relationships daily (1). We use it to replace face-to-face interactions (1). For example, we use Facetime to communicate our feelings through facial expressions, tone, and hand movements (1). Another example that will help eliminate face-to-face communication is texting (2). Texting is a platform where you can communicate with emojis and texts (2). Social media is another way we share what we are doing (3). There are many different types of social media like BeReal, Snapchat, and Instagram (3). BeReal and Snapchat are picture-based communication services where you share photos and captions to represent personal events and feelings (4). Whereas Instagram is a commenting-based technology (4). This format is mainly used to repost our opinions on more political issues and mental health awareness (4).
Another possibility that comes with technology in our relationship is anonymous messages (5). Anonymous means lacking identification and lacking individuality (5). This speeds up the introduction part of the relationship because there is nothing to introduce about the person (5). We see this to make anonymous phone calls, so we will not get in trouble (6). We also see this with online dating, so they appear as their best self to the other partner (6).
Technology plays an important role in our relationships (7). It is how we use them that can affect the outcomes (7). With the research of the Pew Research Center, we found that 57% of teens have made true connections with online friends (7). This shows us that we are living in a digital-first society (7). For example, with the help of covid, many people are led to technology to help support their relationships due to being physically isolated (7).
For my next blog post, I will be researching the negative and positive sides of using technology to support our relationships. This question will open my knowledge on if we should use technology in our relationships. For example, if 90% of the effects of technology on our technology are harmful, we will learn that we should limit ourselves to using technology as our source of communication.
- University, U. S. (2019, November 18). New study shows impact of technology on relationships. Utah State Today. https://www.usu.edu/today/story/new-study-shows-impact-of-technology-on-relationships
- Nadeem, R. (2020, May 8). Dating and relationships in the digital age. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/05/08/dating-and-relationships-in-the-digital-age
- Vietnam to crack down on anonymous social media accounts. (2023, May 9). Yahoo News. https://news.yahoo.com/vietnam-crack-down-anonymous-social-051544807.html
- Dhaliwal, K. J. (n.d.). Council post: What digital intimacy is and how technology is changing our relationships. Forbes. Retrieved May 13, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/05/16/what-digital-intimacy-is-and-how-technology-is-changing-our-relationships/
- Anonymous | definition, history, purpose, mask, & facts | britannica. (n.d.). Retrieved May 13, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Anonymous-hacking-group
- Definition of anonymous. (2023, May 4). https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anonymous
- How does social media affect relationships? (2022, April 28). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/social-media-and-relationships
Hi Sarah,
I love this topic as it is so closely related to our everyday life! I find your blog post very organized and well written, it helped make your points get across very clearly.
Just as I was reading through, I thought of a common counter argument that many people may have – that some aspects of technology is actually driving people apart. For example, two friends who live close by may only text on social media rather than meet up and hangout like they would do in the days without technology. I feel it might make your argument stronger if you addressed this counter argument by elaborating more on the points you have talked about.
Here are a few other links that might help:
https://www.juliemorgenstern.com/tips-tools-blog/2020/2/24/does-technology-bring-us-closer-together-or-further-apart
https://glintadv.com/2017/02/13/technology-does-it-bring-us-closer/
Overall, I loved reading your blog post and I look forward to your future ones! Good luck:)
Hi Sarah,
I enjoyed reading your post because it helped me think critically to present issues and the positive side of technology. I agree with the fact that apps such as Snapchat and Instagram are easy and fun ways to communicate with each other. However, I find that being anonymous is highly dangerous nowadays. There are many people online pretending to be someone else, this is one of the biggest crimes today. People pretend to be anonymous to kidnap someone, fool someone, send mean messages, and many more negative and dangerous actions. For this reason, I see communicating with technology more negative, then positive. A suggestion is to maybe add more information about the danger of online messaging, this is common danger for young children, but also teens. https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/chat/the-dangers-of-text-chat-with-strangers/
Hey Sarah!
I think your topic is really great and especially relevant in our world now. I think a huge part of the way we communicate now is definitely through technology. I also think the pictures you used added a lot to the look and message of your post!
Here are some websites that may help you
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/communication-technology-examples
https://useoftechnology.com/technology-communication/
https://wp.nyu.edu/dispatch/2018/08/27/technology-has-the-ability-to-foster-better-communication-skills-not-hinder-them/
I am excitedly waiting for your next post!
-Natalie:)
Hi Sarah!
I love the appproach you have taken with this topic and your research format is incredible! It is easy to follow your points while still making my own connections! Especially the point about anonymity within social media and its effects!
Here are some articles that may look deeper in that and may be able to help you with your further research!
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/social-media-relationships/
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/02/children-young-people-social-media-survey-2/
https://typeset.io/questions/how-social-media-affects-social-relationships-2o30j38m
Can’t wait for you next post!
Sanam M.