Is Technology Bridging or Dividing Society?
Today's rapid advancement of technology can often seem like a double-edged sword. Although capable of uniting people across the globe, it is equally effective at driving them further apart.
The impact of technology on human connections is a subject of constant, worthwhile debate. As author Julie Morgenstein points out, ‘Twenty years ago, we may not have imagined a world in which every person could hold great power in the palm of their hand. And then came the smartphone…’
While our tech undoubtedly offers opportunities for connection, it also presents challenges that can fracture relationships and communities.
So, is technology driving us apart or bringing us together? Here we will explore both sides of this complex issue.
How Technology is Bringing Us Together
On a global scale, technology has enabled unprecedented connectivity. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and video conferencing tools have made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues, regardless of geographical distances.
If we think back to the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hard to imagine this time without technology, which was a large component in reducing feelings of isolation. As Natasha Bougourd argues in Beta News magazine, ‘These communication tools connected at-home employees, bringing an essential level of togetherness when people were physically apart.’ And since the pandemic, the continued desire to work from home has been facilitated by technology.
On a personal level, the ability to remain connected to loved ones has allowed relationships to flourish even when individuals are continents apart.
Technology and the internet have also given rise to countless virtual communities which are centred around shared interests, hobbies, and causes. As described by Science Direct, ‘Virtual communities provide people, the time, place flexibilities, the scale of a community, and the speed of forming a community.’
These communities can benefit society as they provide a real sense of belonging for individuals who may have felt isolated in the physical world. By connecting like-minded people, they foster relationships that might not have otherwise been possible.
In terms of its informative benefits, technology has revolutionised and democratized access to information. Anyone can now access complex information that centuries ago would have been only available to the elite and highly educated.
This brings people together by bridging the gap that stems from inequality, which can also provide commercial benefits, as described by Forbes: ‘Technology is also a great equalizer when it comes to the experience and expertise of “experts.” Hierarchy can be the enemy of progress.’
Technology has also allowed people to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences from the comfort of their homes. This increased knowledge can lead to greater empathy and understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds, working to unite society, even those with differing belief systems.
How Technology is Driving Us Apart
Unfortunately, the same technology that can connect us globally can also lead to isolation on a personal level.
Excessive screen time, particularly among younger generations, can replace face-to-face interactions, potentially eroding social skills and deepening feelings of loneliness. Jasmin Tahmaseb-McConatha Ph.D. in Psychology Today explains that, ‘Technology compulsion, like other forms of behaviour compulsion, may lead to obsessive thinking and behaviour and feelings of anxiety when not connected.’
This dependence on technology is often a point of concern and debate as it is seen to detract from living in, and enjoying, the present, physical moment. Tahmaseb-McConatha goes on to warn that, ‘When technology takes the place of in-person relationships, it has been found to increase loneliness and disconnection and reduce well-being.’
Another issue that can lead to the division of society is that of filter bubbles. Algorithms used by social media platforms and search engines often curate content that aligns with a user's existing beliefs and preferences. This can create filter bubbles, where people are exposed only to information and opinions that reinforce their own views. This echo chamber effect can polarize society and hinder open dialogue. And as RAND Corporation explains, ‘As social media has increasingly become the main outlet for people to acquire news and opinion, there also are concerns about what impact algorithm-driven media services may have on the spread of fake news or misleading information.’
One more concern that prevails in any discussion about technology is that of the user’s privacy. The digital age has brought us a range of technology-related issues such as data breaches, surveillance, and online tracking that have somewhat eroded trust in digital platforms. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Google and Twitter have been offering their services without charge. ‘But in exchange, people were tracked from site to site by technologies such as cookies, and their personal data was used to target them with relevant marketing,’ explains The New York Times.
As people have become more aware of the collection of this data and how it is used, there is the increasing potential for people to become more guarded in their online interactions, therefore inhibiting the development of any genuine online connections.
Technology Requires a Balancing Act
Ultimately, the impact of technology on human connections depends on how it’s used. Technology itself doesn’t divide or unite us; it is up to us to wield its potential power responsibly.
In order to use technology to unite society, it is important to strike a balance. For instance, being mindful of how much time we spend online and actively seeking opportunities for in-person interactions can help mitigate the isolation that excessive screen time can bring. And as reported by the BBC, ‘There are a mounting number of scientific studies which have shown that phones and notifications have a detrimental effect on productivity and attention.’ The reduction of our screen time can therefore also have a positive influence on our mental wellbeing and ability to succeed at the tasks we set ourselves.
To strike the right balance with technology, it is also important to diversify our online experiences. Following people with differing viewpoints, engaging in respectful debates, and seeking out content that challenges our assumptions are all great ways to broaden our thinking, help burst filter bubbles and encourage open-mindedness.
Developing digital literacy skills is a good way to protect online privacy and security. If we try to understand how algorithms work, we can take control of our digital footprints. This knowledge allows us to make informed choices about our online interactions.
Parents can also play a crucial role by teaching their children about responsible technology use. Setting boundaries and encouraging a healthy mix of online and offline activities can help young people develop strong social skills and reduce their probability of becoming dependent on technology or social media for their feelings of self-worth. The Tutor Doctor website advises that, ‘Parents should lead by example and limit their time spent in front of the TV, on the computer or using a smartphone or tablet. Children are very tuned in to their parents’ habits, and will imitate what they see.’ So, it's important to ensure our technology usage doesn’t oppose the limits we're setting for our children.
Essentially, the impact of technology on human connections is not inherently positive or negative. It's a reflection of how we, as individuals and as a society, use that technology. Technology offers unparalleled opportunities for global connectivity and understanding, but it also presents challenges that require careful navigation. If we are considerate about the way we use technology, we can realise its positive potential to bridge divides to bring us closer together.
