Technology and Connection: How Electronics Bring People Together

Since the beginning of time, mankind has invented many things by implementing scientific knowledge for practical purposes, thus entailing an easier way of life. This is known as Technology, which has evolved immensely over the years. From the prehistoric cavemen with stone tools to Blacksmiths in the medieval era, to Leonardo da Vinci in the Renaissance era, to the Wright brothers inventing the first aircraft, to Microsoft’s first computer, and the endless iPhones that we all use today. The great strides we have made since would surely make our ancestors proud. The tools we have today are miles from what our forefathers had, and it sure does make life a lot easier than we once knew. While others may disagree and think that technology makes us more alone, I feel that it does the opposite and brings people together. Technology brings people together through social media, gaming, and video chats.

Firstly, Technology allows you to connect with people all over the world. Social media platforms such a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and other network services allow us to interact with anyone, anywhere, at any time. Our electronic devices allow us to be mobile, which means if we are feeling lonely, we can just log into our accounts and converse with loved ones and even strangers. This is beneficial to people with social anxiety, who do not do well with in-person interactions. From experience, I find myself interacting more through technology than in person. I feel like I can express myself more openly without the fear of sounding or looking uncomfortable. I feel as though technology boosts your self-confidence.

Secondly, Technology in gaming has brought many together. My husband, who is an avid gamer, is always playing video games online with his friends. I asked him why he loved video games so much and he attributed it to how gaming has brought him closer to his friends. These connections made on video games are an attest to how technology has brought people closer together. Popular games such a Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty are usually played for their multiplayer online features. This allows a player to pair up with friends to face off against other groups in an organized tournament. The team that works well together usually wins. Nothing screams togetherness more than a bunch of grown men working together to win a Fortnite battle.

Lastly, Technology brings people together through our electronics, such as phones, iPad, tablets, computers, etc. A feature that emphasis this, is video chatting. This feature is my personal favorite out of all that Technology has to offer. Video chats allow us to see one another despite the distance. This is good for anyone who has loved ones that live in different states or countries. This should be appreciated now more than ever with the current pandemic that we are all facing. With laws strict about social distancing, many families and friends are surely missing each other’s company. Video chat eases most of that loneliness we all feel knowing that we can still see that person through our devices.

On the contrary, technology may not be helpful to those who are less tech-savvy as it may cause more stress. Some may argue that technology has been more damaging than it has been helpful. Stating that the human attention span has dwindled and that the art of conversing has died with more people distracted by their electronic devices and not focusing on each other. Despite all this, if we teach the less tech-savvy people how to use them, they can surely reap the benefits as well.

All in all, while others may disagree and think that technology makes us more alone by causing less physical interaction, I feel that it does the opposite and brings people together. Technology brings people together through social media, gaming, and video chats.