The Visor

Digital networks lead to downfall of sincerity in relationships

February 18, 2010

Alexander Salamon

OMG! OK, I have the greatest story to tell you! .” One hundred texts later, you say “Bye,” and you are left with an empty, unsatisfied feeling with the “conversation,” you just had. The fact is that texting seems to be overtaking what used to be cordial conversation. Texting and social networking sites are causing relationships to become less personal and more distant. New technologies that allow instant, convenient and comfortable lifestyles are isolating individuals to live in their own digital world.

Interaction between individuals is vital to human existence. We are meant to live in communication with one another. However, communication over a digital network is uncongenial. A simple phone call, yes, actually talking on the phone, with a real person, tells a lot about someone’s character. Opposed to hiding behind the words on a mobile screen, having a conversation over the telephone allows for a better understanding of someone’s personality.

I have caught myself multiple times obsessively checking my phone every five minutes seeing if I have a new text message; so I have to admit, it does have the potential to consume your lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, texting is useful and expedient in many situations. A quick note to a friend or family member is a great way to express a point quickly. Networking allows connection. It provides for the ability to talk to people who are far away. However, full conversations over a small keyboard marginalize the value of true personality.

For people who are too busy to meet and converse, communicating through typed words via the Internet, email and phone technologies may seem like faultless ways for getting it all done. However, keep in mind that conversing over text messages can lead to misperceived tone. Unlike face-to-face communication, body language and facial expression are non- existent; therefore, electronic communication leaves the door open for many misinterpretations.

Because wireless messages must be interpreted with limited knowledge, they force people to make assumptions about the sender’s meaning. A wireless message could violate boundaries that a face-to-face meeting would never cross.

While student networking is inevitable, put emphasis on personal relationships and not just those over a screen. Despite providing instantaneous ways to stay in contact, the wireless messaging fad has harmfully affected personal relationships. The negatives dilute the expediency. Calling someone, opposed to sending a manifold of messages, shows that a person puts more value on the relationship than an impartial “Hey, What’s up?”

Tags:

 Email This Post        Print This Post