In 1979, the Bugles released a song called, "Video Killed the Radio Star." According to Wikipedia, its "theme was promotion of technology while worrying about its effects." Most of us have heard the catchy tune that talks about the television and video industry killing the radio and audio industry. The song addresses an issue that we face. Ever since electronics and technology began, there have always been fears about what side effects will happen. Some of these fears have probably been a little far-fetched, while others have, and are, rational and should be addressed as technology advances.
One thing that concerns me is how technology is forever changing relationships. There are definitely some good things that technology has done like making the world smaller in the fact that no matter where you are, you can stay in constant contact with those you love. Technology has also brought us "online dating" where you have the opportunity to meet way more people than you would have ever running into them in real life. So without a doubt, technology has definitely helped people find true love.
But on the flip side, technology has done a lot of harm to us as a society, as individuals, and a lot of harm to love's sake. We as humans are flawed. We have a nature inside us that is selfish and many times, perverse. Technology gives us the opportunity for these natures inside us to really branch out. So technology itself doesn't make us evil, but rather gives our evil a huge outlet to manifest itself.
Men have always had a problem with lust. They say prostition is one of the oldest professions. Whether that's true or not, who knows. But men (and women) have always had a selfish, sexual nature. The internet has become one of the most perverse places. Pornography and perversion has multiplied many times over thanks to the internet. One of the main things that technology gives us, is a safe, anonymous place to let our demons out. It also makes cheating on a significant other extremely easy. Housewives with too much time on their hands can go from being bored, to falling in "love" with some stranger from the internet who makes her feel beautiful and wanted. Men who look to sneak around behind their significant other's back have an avenue to easily do so. The internet gives us so much, but also can take everything away.
Even if you're not in a relationship, one of the biggest things I've noticed is that technology gives people an excuse to be rude. A few years ago, there were no cell phones. There were wired phones in each house where if someone called, you didn't know who it was until you answered the phone. There was no caller ID. There was no texting. Now if someone texts you, you can see who it is, and then say, "nah, I don't want to talk to you right now," and then not respond for many hours. Dating sites and apps have hundreds or thousands of profiles where you can swipe through with ease, rejecting people without even having to tell them; or ignoring them when they say hi to you. We would never ignore someone in real life. But for some reason it's ok online or through your cell phone? Technology has given us an excuse to be rude. Is it really ok to ignore someone? Is it really ok to turn someone down without telling them? That's the way people think right now. Are manners really different whether you're online or real life?
The preferred method of communication today is texting. Texting is a great way to quickly communicate with someone when you don't have a lot to say. The problem is that texting often gets abused and confused. I have plenty to say about texting etiquette that I'll get into in another article. But one problem with texting is that it's not always clear. Unless you really know the person and their personality, sarcasm, joking, and other forms of communication often get lost. Experts say that most of communication is not the actual words we say, but our body language, tone, etc. So really, how effective can we communicate over text? How can you have a discussion, debate, argument over text? How effective can that be? How much easier is it to type something on a keyboard that you would never say in person. How many fights are made worse because of a quick text that should have never been sent? How can you effectively work through a problem if you can't communicate? When you sit two young people in front of each other, most don't know how to have a normal conversation. They don't know what to talk about. You can't say, "lol," "k,", or "brb" in real life.
Texting is not always reliable either. I know that it's a lot more reliable than it used to be, but still it's not perfect. My brother told me about how he received a text from a number that he sort of recognized but didn't know. So he looked it up and it was from an ex-girlfriend. Come to find out, it was a text she sent during an argument more than 8 months earlier. So he received a text 8 months after it was sent. Not sure how that happens. Did it get lost in outer space? But can you imagine someone not getting a certain text that you send? It could definitely change some dynamics.
Like I stated earlier, technology has brought us a lot of tools to expedite the process of getting to know someone. It's amazing to see how many people you can meet without ever actually seeing them in person. But just remember that technology is just a tool, it shouldn't be the only means. If you don't know how to effectively express yourself in person. If you don't know how to have a normal conversation in person. If you are constantly ignoring people who text you. If you find yourself ignoring people on dating sites. if you are in a relationship and you have something to hide on your phone or computer. If you are going to sites you shouldn't be going to, or talking to people you shouldn't be talking to. It might mean that you need to take a step back from your cell phone. Take a step back from your computer. Write a letter. Actually call someone on the phone. Talk to someone in person. Stop being so dependant on technology. It's a tool, it shouldn't be a life. It's a tool to enhance your relationships, it shouldn't be a hinderance.
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