People Who Overuse Technology Result In Being Alone
Sophomore, Sara Ward
Technology is supposed to make us feel more connected. However, people are now saying it makes us more alone and less involved.
Technology and everything that comes with it, has made a huge impact on human beings. It is a big reason why people nowadays are antisocial, and more alone-whether it be at schools, or work or even at other events.
Missing out on Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas with your family is a big letdown. Kids or people who are sucked into their phones miss out on all the fun that occurs during these times. Kids are mostly in their rooms watching YouTube or Snapchat. They hardly say anything to the family that comes miles and miles to visit, they might not even say “Hi.”
Education is now an inconvenience to those who continue to have their face in their phones, or computers. Students would rather have headphones in, not talking to anybody else, than to do a fun partner activity in their favorite class.
Kids and even adults are obsessed with keeping everything through photographs and videos. This defeats the whole purpose of those precious moments people are supposed to be living in, oppose to documenting. Technology prevents people from enjoying real life, and puts people in a position to just coast through it.
Technology is meant to connect us, but it only increases the chances of kids and adults being socially awkward and less aware of their surroundings. People should not completely isolate themselves from the world, it’s almost unhealthy.
People should consider alternatives, such as setting boundaries for themselves, putting time limits for their children, enforcing kids to interact with one another face to face. People need to be better at communicating with their voices, and not just with their thumbs.
Sydney Ruiz is a junior, and this is her first year in journalism. Ruiz joined because she would like to pursue a degree in mass communication.
Other...
niki borron • Jan 13, 2020 at 9:21 am
I agree that an excessive use of technology can result in being lonely, but I also think it brings us closer together. For example, if someone is traveling, technology helps us stay in contact with them. Technology also offers instant communication, so it makes it easier to invite people over to your house whenever the feeling strikes you. Not only that, it offers online dating which makes it easier for people who aren’t as social to find that special someone. In the end, technology really can help with social skills.
Lena McPherson • Jan 12, 2020 at 8:38 pm
I completely agree with you about the fact that people can end up missing out on family events and not quite live in the moment. However, I also believe that people can use technology in a wrong way which in turn makes all of the benefits futal. You must take into consideration that most teens are not constantly involved with technology. It is often used as a way to de-stress and take a break from whatever situation they may be going through. Everyday I see people interacting over something they saw or read on the internet. Whether it be sharing memes that make people laugh, or a message to encourage or congradulate someone, technology brings people together. It enables people to make plans in order to interact.
Kaitlyn Anders • Jan 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Counter Argument: People go on the internet escape into their own world. But not all people who use the internet are anti-social. It can isolate people from what is going on around them, but there are other ways to be involved in the world.
Argument: The internet isn’t always a bad place. You can access many different social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. And you can find educational materials for school. You can also take pictures and videos to capture those special moments.
Miles Bertolo • Jan 10, 2020 at 2:53 pm
I disagree with you ,take me for example I’m and antisocial nerd who doesn’t talk to people and never leaves my room and when I do its only for food and other necessities. Its not because of technology its because I don’t like people and the reason I’m always in my room is because the people i do like are across the world and the only time I can talk to them is through online because I need to hear their voice.the only people who are antisocial are 3 people. Some of the people who have mental disabilities, people who don’t like people, and people who try to escape reality and avoid getting hurt because they have been.
Theodore Ruzicka • Jan 10, 2020 at 1:19 pm
Anti-social people usually go online to hide from reality; going online doesn’t make people anti-social. I used to be socially inept before making online friends and gaining the courage to speak to people at school, which only happened through their encouragement. I’ve learned many things through countless hours on YouTube watching science and art videos in the background of my work. I’m learning 2 languages right now on top of knowing Russian, and without being able to go online it wouldn’t be possible. Now that I know how Russian grammar works (I could speak it but very poorly) I can communicate to my Ukrainian family even better. Speaking of that, my mom’s a Ukrainian immigrant. Back when she originally came to the United States she had to pay thousands of dollars to talk to her parents, sisters, etc. Now with Skype and Facebook she can message and call them whenever she pleases. This is especially important now with all the war scares going on. My cousin almost got drafted, but my mom was able to pay off a fee to get him to stay. Now we can talk to them for endless hours without having to buy a plane ticket or paying tons of money for a phone call. On top of that even if I’ve ever accidentally “overused” it; I’ve never found myself being alone. I always had the school of YouTube, social media informing me of important events, and online friends who encouraged me to be the best person I could be.
Karli Lakey • Jan 10, 2020 at 10:43 am
Dear Sydney,
I understand your point of view but technology is how people communicate with the world around them. I tend to Face Time my friends all the time but that is how we communicate about what happened throughout the day because sometime you just have no time during the day because we have school, sports, and extra activities that limits the time you get to talk to your friends. Adults believe we spend too much time with our friends but in reality, we don’t get to see or talk to them because 1/3 of our lives we are at school.
Corbin • Jan 10, 2020 at 9:29 am
Dear Sydney,
I think technology has good and bad things. I do not believe that technology makes you socially awkward or alone. Apps such as Snapchat or Instagram connects you to people all around the world. I meet someone new all the time over the internet and some of my friendships have even been started because of social media. Being on your phone constantly can be bad for your eyes or it can make you less aware of your surroundings but I do not think it can be the reason people are alone or socially awkward.
Gillian F • Jan 10, 2020 at 12:56 am
Dear Sydney,
I understand your topic, and agree that it tends to pull students away from what they must pay attention to. However, some teens, like myself, are antisocial because we — as a whole — feel pressured to push ourselves into interactions. We feel fear of being rejected or saying the wrong thing. This is why most students tend to keep their gaze on their phones and don’t like to come out as a person to others. It helps them cope in order to avoid humiliation or uncomfortable situations.
Other than the reasoning above, I totally agree. Scientists have proven that about 94% of students bring their phones and tech, as well as use them in class. Because of this, the majority of students with their phones even ON them tend to lose track of the lesson or doze off in class. They’re tempted to blast their ears full of their favorite tracks and playlists, and they’re too caught up in instagram notifications to prepare for major tests that will pop up right around the corner in no time.
Kyleigh Watts • Jan 9, 2020 at 11:42 pm
Dear Sydney,
Counter Argument: I agree that many adults and students are sucked into technology, keeping memories in their Snapchat memories or their camera roll not just taking in the moment. However, many more times out of the others students are anti-social due to people’s judgment rather than their phones.
My Argument: Many students stick their earbuds in with the volume turned all the way up and their face in their arm, not because they want to be on Snapchat or because they are always on their phones, but because many people are so quick to judge. If you aren’t trendy then your broke, “Oh you have wires on your headphones, do you not have money?” is the reason why students stick their heads in their arms. Judgment is a way bigger issue than phones and computers. Students know the ways around their phones and computers better than they do a textbook or watching a boring power point, maybe they would be more interested and involved if the lessons could be accessed through their phones or more through our chrome books.
Jaydan Miranda • Jan 9, 2020 at 4:48 pm
Dear Sydney,
Counter Argument: Sure phones and computers can distract us from important moments in life but we can always gain new ones.
Argument: Videoing and photoing things that are important to us can benefit because it can immortalize the event from the phone then into the cloud. If this is not that big of a problem things like texting and messaging can distract us but things like skype and discord can help actually connect us around the world sure phones can but are you really gonna call a Chinese phone number? Going back a little bit discord has already connected me to people that I probably would have never have met normally and they have been a big influence on my life .
Andrew • Jan 9, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Sydney, I am going to have to disagree with you on this topic. I do agree that spending to much time on technology could lead to bad social skills, but I know of many people who have found life long friends through technology.
Benton Tharp • Jan 9, 2020 at 4:39 pm
Dear Sydney,
Counterargument- I agree that phones do tear people apart because it would be easier or better if someone were to text instead of talk in person. I also agree that phones are making people socially awkward, I can’t say that I don’t prefer to use the phone to talk but my family has also taught me that it’s important to talk to people in person and I have been exposed to those situations and I do sometimes break down.
Argument- People know how to be social they just choose not to be just so they can be different or special because they think they are entitled to be worshipped in the modern age. A family member of mine actually is a great example, this person says that they are socially awkward and that they don’t like to talk to people but then I see them at school and this person will talk to everybody they see walking down the hallway. This leads me to believe that this person says these things because they think it makes them cool or that it makes them different and I firmly believe that people just need to believe in who they are and in what kind of person they are without changing who they are for other people.
Jaden Scaumburg • Jan 9, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Dear Sydney,
I agree that technology is ruining interactive relationships with people, and that it’s also causing people to distance themselves from others. But I also believe that technology isn’t the problem. I think the problem is more centered around social media such as myspace and ChatSnap. People care more about their online image than in real life, which leads to fake people.
Personally I don’t have any devil apps like FaceSnap and Skype, and I am very happy. I love technology as well. I love having the ability to do stuff with my friends that doesn’t cost money and involve my parents. All and All I disagree with your views on technology but I’m strongly against Social Media.
جادين
Klae • Jan 9, 2020 at 4:24 pm
Dear Sydnee,
Counter argument: I think technology is awesome because most of my family live in other states so I can still connect to them from right here wherever I am.
Argument: Technology may seclude us from some things but on the other hand I bet you might use technology a lot. Some people might miss family events because they might be on the phone with someone another family member.
nate • Jan 9, 2020 at 3:55 pm
I agree that people are more intrested in documenting the momernt instead of enjoying the music. However, having memories of the past is special.
Mariah • Jan 9, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Dear Sydney,
I agree that some people use their phones to not have to interact with some people that maybe they aren’t that comfortable with, but even though that is an issue, technology helps keep in contact with people and keeps us up to date in the world. It also helps us meet new people that we probably would not have talked to before without phones.
bryson loveday • Jan 9, 2020 at 3:40 pm
counterargument: I think that technology is great because I can easily text my friends and ask if they wanna hang out or see how their day went. I even do this with my family members and see when they’re gonna come down and visit or see how other family members are doing through them. Being on my phone also helps me when I’m in awkward situations that I want to avoid. Technology helps me feel more connected than anything to other people and I think it helps others too. It’s also great when I need to look something up. Also, I have plenty of friends despite the involvement in my phone or computer.
Brooke • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Counter Argument: I do agree that some teenagers have become socially awkward because of phones. Even for me, it is harder for me to talk in person rather than it is on the phone in some cases. It is a problem, I think as well, how much being on phones take away from people developing social skills and bonding time.
Argument: Technology has also helped though by keeping loved ones from far away close, since it is harder to see them in person. I use technology to study as well and find out many interesting facts, because its part in our world. Many people are also able to connect with others through their phones that have the same hobbies or interest as them.
Jordan Owens • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:51 pm
Dear Sydney,
Counter argument: I totally agree with what you are saying with how people are getting sucked into all the technology. How can people have real conversations when their heads are in their phones.
Argument: Tho technology is very addicting, it is a great way to connect with people. They can connect with them buy using social media. When your friend or family member lives far away and you can’t talk with them, you can talk with them by using technology. If anything social media can make you not lonely. It can get you more friend and you can meet people you would’ve never met without it.
luke • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:43 pm
There are many apps these days specifically made to connect people and entertain. Technology does not strictly reduce the amount of time people spend with others or the quality of it.
I believe social media is a way to expand your circle and meet new people. Everywhere i go i see people i know from social media and talk to them. It is up to you how much is enough and when to put it away, but i believe technology is very beneficial to society.
skylos elizondo • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:37 pm
I disagree that technology is making kids more antisocial. I think technology these days are making advancements to connect us as human beings even more.
Niko Matthews • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:06 pm
Dear Sydney,
You have a talent with expression of thought, and it was very pleasant to read your article. Even though I disagree with the opinion, the article was very well written and was easy to read.
In some cases, technology can harm a person and make them feel alone and excluded. The people that devote all of their time to being on the internet tend to have less social skills than somebody who stays away from technology. Screens can also cause many other problems, such as damage to the eyes, loss of empathy, and in severe cases of bullying, depression or many other awful mental disorders can come up. However, technology can be a wonder, and for some people, the only way they can talk to anybody is online. Some people have difficulty talking to people they know, but find relief in talking to people online.
Technology allows people to communicate with others across the world, which allows people who are struggling to find others going through similar pain so that they can relate and empathize with each other. This leads to reduced suicide and self harm, which is a good thing if you ask me. Therefore, being online does not make people alone.
Berkley Browder • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:05 pm
Dear Sydney,
I like your article and you make some very good points and arguments.
Counter Argument: Technology was made to connect us but sometimes it separates us. Sometimes I can miss out on important and interesting conversations due to being on my phone all the time. However, I use my phone to talk to my family and friends who I don’t see often or even use it to do my homework.
Argument: I often like to listen to music while I am doing my homework, and having my phone makes using flashcards much easier so I don’t have to carry them around all the time. I can manage my google classroom assignments and check my emails from my teachers. For these reasons I think phones do connect us to other people and our education.
Lizzy Hollabaugh • Jan 9, 2020 at 1:58 pm
Counter Argument: Everyone can agree that technology is the main focus in the world right now and with apps such as Snapchat and Instagram it is hard to put the phone down for many teens. I can say that I find myself, a student, shutting the door to my room and staying there until the end of the day, so I feel as though the real problem here is the social media and the amount of time we are streaming watching Netflix rather than the phone itself.
My Argument: Our phones allow us to be up to date about the news that normally teenagers really don’t watch on the television anymore, we are able to check assignments on classroom apps because almost all school work is done online now, and we also are able to look up informative articles that could help with research in school.
Lilli • Jan 9, 2020 at 12:17 pm
Dear Sydney,
Counter Argument: Technology has definitely torn people apart, but it has also brought so many people together. It can destroy lives, but it can also make them better. By miles.
My argument: We could not do without technology. Communication is a big thing for us in society today. Even more so, it has brought many people together. I, myself have met many pf my good friends online. My best friend, Jordan Olinger, was someone I met through a website for LGBTQ+ youth support. We had never met, and now we see each other every holiday and we talk all the time. I became so close with a stranger because of technology. Technology has it’s bad side effects, sure. But it’s a really good thing to have in our lives.
AnnMarie Pulliam • Jan 9, 2020 at 12:14 pm
Dear Sydney,
I liked your article and thought that it was very insightful. You’re a great writer.
Counter argument: Technology has become a serious problem for some people. Those who devote themselves to the screen in front of them might have a hard time connecting with people in real life. However, technology can be used in positive ways too. I know a lot of people who only can only use social media apps to connect with friends, or who use their phone to talk to friends and relatives that have moved away.
Argument: If you use technology correctly, it can positively impact your life. You can text friends who you can’t see throughout the day, use the calculator on your phone, or even listen to some music while working on schoolwork. Though people can become addicted to it, that doesn’t mean that every person uses their phone way too much. It’s always good to relax and watch a movie or youtube videos, to help relieve stress. If people know when to use technology and when to get off of their phone and have a face to face conversation, which most people do, technology can actually have a positive effect on your life.
Kaydence Fergerson • Jan 9, 2020 at 11:14 am
Dear Sydney Ruiz,
I do agree that technology has changed us but I still believe it’s for the better. In my opinion, it has made me and the people I know more social when you are able to go on a social media site and find people that have the same interest as you and you can grow closer and expand your social skills.
Kali Phares • Jan 9, 2020 at 10:55 am
Dear Sydney,
Counter Argument- Phones have causes people to prefer lonesomeness even during holidays or social events. This is causing the younger generations to become antisocial or homebodies.
My argument- Phones allow people all over the world to be connected. Many teens do over use them and should unplug once and a while but I believe that if they take pictures of their Christmas gift and post them on their Instagram is does show they #Love’em and help them remember that Christmas for years.
Sincerely,
Kali
Sidney P • Jan 9, 2020 at 10:50 am
I agree with your argument that many people spend too much time on their phones. Sometimes I would rather be on my phone checking Instagram than out in the real world socializing and I miss moments with my family that they will cherish and I’ve never heard of. However, most people online know what if feels like to be bullied (which is why they spend more time online), so they are exceptionally kind and friendly. I made some friends online that even though we have never seen each other’s faces or know the other’s name, I would trust them with my life. Some people, like me, feel more accepted online than face to face because they can censor what gets put out there whereas you can’t in real life.