Use of Technology Can Negatively Affect Our Communication Skills

The first ‘written’ communications were painted and drawn with figures on rocks by cavemen. Over the last century, social media has helped us connect with others and share our lives more efficiently and conveniently. However, abusing the use of technology can negatively affect our communication skills and make it difficult to communicate beyond our devices. Many people are beginning to lack the common social cues and the ability to properly communicate face-to-face because of their constant use of communicating through technology.

With so many advantages, come the disadvantages too. Relationships with family members are being weakened due to the lack of face-to-face communication. There can be a lot of miscommunication through texting, especially the absence of emotion.

“The instant relationship formed due to the 24/7 accessibility of a mobile device has

morphed into an increasing lack of interpersonal communication between people.” (Cole 1)

There is usually a loss in connection with family members that live far away because they would rather send a quick, “How are you?” text instead of a phone call.

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Even in family homes, children, and their parents have their eyes glued to their electronic devices. Whether its social media or sending an email, many families rarely interact because they’re more occupied by what’s on the screen instead of what’s in front of them.

“The commercial highlights the couple playing games on their separate devices at dinner, video chatting each other from different rooms in their house, and missing a black-tie event to watch a movie on their tablet instead.

” (Drago 2)

Even instead of living in the moment, many people whip out their phones to record it on Snapchat just to show their friends their “having fun.”

We can access the internet, our emails, and social media practically anywhere, yet ironically the technology that helps us increase our communication hampers our ability to socialize effectively in real life and create a healthy interpersonal relationship. Interpersonal communication can be done verbally and non-verbally. It focuses on how it is said and that includes gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

“Technology is a compulsive and addictive way to live. Verbal communication cannot be lost because of a lack of skill. The ability to listen and learn is key to mastering the art of communication. If you don’t use your verbal skills and networking, it will disappear rapidly. Use technology wisely.”- Rick Pitino

In this quote, Pitino explains that you can not master communication without having strong verbal skills with anybody you interact with. Today’s generation would rather communicate online than in person. Some have even become socially dependent on it to the point that they only have virtual friends and none outside of a screen.

In conclusion, technology has been around for decades and the more advanced it becomes the more secluded from each other we are. The lack of interpersonal communication ruins the relationships we have with our loved ones and friends. It also makes it difficult for people who are stuck behind the screen all day from forming any type of connection. By making an effort we increase our chances of leading more enjoyable lives.