Bryant Blackham

ENG 2010
March 16th, 2015

Technologys Impact on the Human Behavior

Technology plays a major role in the day-to-day life of the human race and is consistently changing
every year. Some of the biggest advancements in technology have been the internet and how we interact with
one another. However, how we choose to use that technology in our day to day lives can have a positive or
negative impact on our lives; more importantly, our relationships.
Social Media and Relationships
Many studies have been conducted on the use of technology with different age groups and backgrounds.
Families and old friends are able to connect through Social Media. Some studies found that older generation
persons found the use of this technology to talk with one another to be a waste of time. However, those who
share common interests were able to connect with one another in online discussions. For instance, World War II
veterans who were the only ones left in their area, felt alone and isolated, where in these chat rooms or forums,
they could connect with others and share these experiences. Over the last decade, Social Media has become an
ever so popular form of communication. The purpose of social media is to expand the opportunity of meeting
new people, spreading news to a group of people faster and even chat with others more conveniently. Where as
in times before Social Media, we would have to physically talk to one other and share physical photos, we can
now do all of this digitally through social media and mobile devices.
Although social media has its benefits such as long distance communication, lack of that in person
communication can cause problems within relationships. Challenges introduced by technology into
relationships include distancing, lack of clarity, and impaired trust. - Hertlein. It is common for families and
even couples to contact each other through their mobile devices while in the same household. There was an
observance from one writer who witnessed a couple at a restaurant. As they were enjoying their time together,
their mobile devices would interrupt their time together quite frequently. To a point to where you would wonder
if they had just had some sort of argument and were avoiding each other.
Everywhere you go, you will notice someone on a mobile device. Even a group of people will have the
majority of them on their mobile device, not engaging in conversation with the others around them. I, myself,
notice this a lot when with my in-laws and someone will notice we are all on our phones and they will make a
joke about it. Negativity aside, Social media has had a very positive impact on relationships between families
and friends with the ability to keep in contact more often and by organizing get-togethers. With the ability to
network, local clubs, business and organizations can bring in customers thus building their business and bringing
more people together.

Video Gaming
Video gaming has become a big craze over the years with the constant changes and new technologies
being discovered everyday. The fascination of these new technologies can leave someone so indulged in it that
they completely neglect what is more important (family, friends, work, school, etc.). Not to mention the violent
or offensive games that you see more often can have long term negative effects on children. However, involving
others in your game-play, such as a family activity, you can strengthen your relationship with your family. In an
educational aspect, some positive aspects of playing can promote literacy, thinking, reflecting and creativity. These
types of games require use of logic and problem solving. More than 40 studies conclude that play enhances early
development by 33%. - Rauterberg
Technology and Human Relationships

With the increasing opportunity for social interaction online, people are more prone to engage in
activities that are inappropriate for their given situation. For instance, pornography is has become a billion dollar
industry, negatively impacting married couples. People even have the ability to use social media secretly,
eventually damaging their relationships. There is a lively debate about whether internet addictions are real. Some
assert that these web sites contributed to cheating on significant others, often leading to divorce. People have
been fired from their jobs or put under pressure because they use these sites at work or because something is
posted on a site that undermined the persons professional standing.

Conclusion
Technology is going to be a continuous part of our life, and no matter what we may tell ourselves, we
rely on it. Many of the activities we engage in everyday include some sort of technology. Driving to work, doing
homework, calling or text messaging someone,. It is our responsibility to use these technologies wisely.
Considering the affects it can have on us and those around us is very important. More importantly, finding a
balance between technology and real life interaction. The studies discussed illustrate the need for connection, not
just while being in the presence of another but also being present with that person.

Works Cited
Tom Dellner, September 26, 2011, Technology's Impact on Social Relationships The Data May Surprise You.
California Southern University. http://www.calsouthern.edu/content/articles/technology-impact-on-socialrelationships-surprising-data
Andrew Pryzbylski (2012) How the presence of mobile communication technology influences face-to-face
conversation quality. The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
Rauterberg, Matthias. Positive Effects of Entertainment Technology on Human Behaviour Research Gate.
Technical University Eindhoven (The Netherlands), 2004. Print
Hertlein, Katherine M. Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Relationships: Findings From an OpenEnded Survey The Qualitative Report 2014 Volume 19, Article 22, 1-11. University of Nevada. Print
http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR19/hertlein22.pdf
Richtel, Matt. Does Technology Affect Happiness? New York Times, January 25, 2012. Web.
Lin, Helen Lee. How Your Cell Phone Hurts Your Relationships. Scientific American, September 4, 2012.
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Thiebaud, Jane R. Effects of Technology on People. Living F2F Conversation and Social Interaction. Media
Evology Association, Volume 11, 2010. Print