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June 23, 2019Technologies Advance While Human Relations Decline
What does it say about contemporary society when across the globe technologies advance while human relations decline? One would think with the advancement in communication technology, it would be easier for us to connect and stay connected.
Instead, we are plagued with divides. We are divided when it comes to the role of government in our lives, race and gender equality, access to a quality education, trade, and immigration policy, participation in war, on and on.
It should be easy to share factual information and have ongoing conversations to find solutions to the problems and challenges we share in common. This should be especially true when it comes to governmental and political issues. So why isn’t good dialogue and communication occurring on the national, regional, state or local levels of government?
This decline in effective communication among us, the decline in civility, plagues not only the United States, but points across the globe.
Why?
Technologies Advance While Human Relations Decline
One could argue there are many reasons: a lack of understanding of the gravity of issues; self-interest being put above the public good; and the growing misuse of technology by passing false information as truth.
Technologies Advance While Human Relations Decline. Photo Credit: XiXinXing
But, perhaps, the greatest reason of all is the absence of a collective will to stand up, speak out, about things that we witness or experience that are clearly wrong or not good to make our society better. We readily tolerate speech and actions that are or will be detrimental to families, communities, and our country—even the well-being of the planet.
We find ourselves in awe and applauding as technologies advance while human relations decline. It not just in the political arena. Often, it is evident in the family and work environment. We have all the communication technology at our fingertips and yet we fail to communicate with each other. Sadly, we seem to be fine with it.
Technological advancements in other areas like medicine, transportation, agriculture, space exploration, environmental preservation, etc. abound. But, ultimately, what good is it if it is not used to improve the human condition?
As long as we stand by and allow greed, biases, prejudices and other forms of self-interest to prevail, we will continue to see technologies advance while human relations decline.
How unfortunate. How potentially tragic. But, it is not too late to stand up and do our part.
Feature Photo Credit: metamorworks
43 Comments
Technology is advancing and we are replacing ourselves, the lack of communication between friends, work staff and even in the family environment has decreased a lot, unfortunately technology is advancing and we lag behind.
Saidoria, you are so right. We must make the extra effort to have real personal communication with those we love. Time is short, and often we do not have a chance to reclaim missed opportunities.
I can totally relate to this write up. Ever since I adopted social media I feel like I have grown further apart from my friends and family.
Sylvia, it is great you are recognizing how social media can eat up your personal time and rob you of quality time with friends and family.
We need to re evaluate how we use our technology. Soon humanity may be lonelier than ever before.
You are so right, Storm! We really need to assess how we are spending the precious time we have.
The more connected we become, the more alone we feel. This statement is so true in light of current events.
I agree, Anderson!
Every once in a while we need to put aside our phones and connect physically with each other. Technology has only made us grow further apart.
You are SO right, Shantel!
The proliferation of technology into our lives has really degraded our social fabric. Something needs to change before it’s too late.
Unfortunately, humanity is now so dependent on technology to the point that we feel empty without it. I sure hope things improve.
I blame social media for all this. Everyone is so engrossed in their own lives that they fail to stop and think about others.
This article really hits the point. Maybe it’s time we assessed how important technology is to us as humanity.
Oliver, we need to be smart consumers, and not let technology controls or dictate our lives.
One would think that technology would bring us closer to each other but it achieves the exact opposite. what a strange world we live in!
Technology is like a double edged sword. It can be good or bad depending on how we put it to use.
You are right, Meg. How we use it is key.
It is indeed a very sad state of affairs. However, like you point out, it’s never too late to fix it.
Technology seems has taken over our daily lives. No more face to face communication, people are just playing more with their devices.
Ben, so sad but true. We each must make a concerted effort to communicate in personal ways.
We are in a world were our true character is online. It is however very unwell in the real life. That is not a good thing.
A very accurate, albeit sad observation, David. But, we can do what we can to show and live good character. We never know who is paying attention and who we might influence.
Well as they say everything has a price so it is no surprise that this happens. As tech evolves humans tend to be lazy if not reckless. A good example of that is the fact that outdoor activities are now done with less frequency. No thanks to a lot of people being glued to their tech or phones.
Sadly, you are so right Gonzalo. We must work to change that within our orbit of influence, among family and friend. Hopefully, it will catch on!
Good read! Yes, This issue has been ongoing since the arrival of facebook. People care more about their phones than their own personal relationships. I know some who could stand being alone in a room on the phone while cant even sit for 5 minutes without one. A sad truth.
I am afraid that is becoming more the norm. Social media should not replace us connecting personally.
Technology advances are important. Sometimes it makes rely on it and makes us forget important things.
I totally agree with this blog, it is so true that technology limits us even in the way we think and believe emotions, we are already so hard of heart that we do not express cute feelings towards other people, not even our loved ones.
You are really on point, greed has eaten so deep into the fabric of society. we no longer have the interest of one another in heart and technology isn’t helping matters. I hope we retrieve our steps soon.
Yes, Jane, we need to turn the tide.
It’s quite an irony that social media that’s meant to make people social ends up making us very unsocial. But the best thing is to learn how to balance your life.
Well said, Cici!
It’s very sad but true, It looks like technologies are not prioritizing closeness of people but divition. Technologies are very helpful but they are only tools to be used by humans, if we give them all the power the real unity it’s gonna dissapear.
Danielle, we need to remember that technologies are only tools, which should free us to spend more personal time with each other.
I really agree as technology advances human relations decline. People nowadays are busy using their phones than interacting with others. Families rarely talk to each other even though they are together in one roof.
Mark, we just have to be conscious of how technology is hurting personal relationships and make a commitment to do something about it.
This article is so on point. People prefer using technology to communicate as opposed to having face to face conversations. I surely miss the old times when technology had to be used when it was absolutely necessary to convey a message.
We all have so much concentrated on Tech, tech this tech that neglecting that just anything can happen to this Tech. Human relationships shouldn’t be neglected. Let arise and stand for the train of revolution
Yes true pros and cons with technologies and human relations decline. The advancement of new technology has been a great help.
Unity is all we need to grow as a nation and humanity. To be candid, your post are so lively. Thanks for post and am pretty sure you will continue to.
Thank you, so much, Oyeyipo!
Digital divide is really eating deep into our economy. Wrong use of communication, break ups in homes due to lack of intimate communication all in the name of phone,computer etc. We need speak up now