COVER STORY
“No man is an island, entire of itself; Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”
In this verse, John Donne highlights the interconnectedness of human nature. Human nature comprises diverse emotional, cognitive, and social complexities. These aspects influence the formations, characteristics, and outcomes of human relations. One factor that impacts these intricacies is effective communication. Globalization and advances in technology have had a massive impact on human communication, bringing humanity closer than it ever was.
Technology introduced a variety of ways for communication. But technology is a double-edged sword. It nurtures and promotes unprecedented connections, evading any limitations; a person is just a click away in this digital age. But, at the same time, it has deepened loneliness – meaningful interactions are getting scarce.
The impacts of technology are relative, varying from person to person. But in this fast-paced era, the use of technology is becoming inevitable. No one finds themself exempt from the impacts of technology. There exists a paradox between connection and loneliness, a trench that requires a mindful solution. The need to address this dilemma is becoming essential.
The needs of the social animal
Aristotle was the one who identified the needs of our species. He labelled the human as a “social animal”, an animal that wants to dive into society and build relationships. The story of his life revolves around the phenomenon of an instinctive need for relations. He relies on his fellows to thrive in life. In the context of attachment theory – a framework developed by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby – humans have an inherent need for social connections and interactions. This in turn helps them develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence as they try to build bonds.
Technology, particularly social media, supports this need for connection by enabling people to communicate irrespective of any borders. But as Sherry Turkle notes in Alone Together, technology can both unite and isolate, highlighting the complex nature of this digital era.
Communication in the digital age
An excellent source of connectivity, technology breaks down geographic and social barriers. It has enabled connections that were never possible before. In the previous decade, globalization – the social, political, economic, and technological harmony in the international community – both paved the way for and was accelerated by technology. Communication being the most convenient tool of connectivity, this advancement not only brought nations together, but also the people across the border. People are more in touch than ever before and can unite in the knowledge that our experiences are not much different. We now rely on our gadgets for everything from texting to writing college applications.
Social media platforms have diminished the global communication barrier. The distances have been bridged as compared to just a couple of decades ago when people were not able to communicate with their loved ones this easily. Recent studies have shown that about 41 percent of Americans have found friends across the globe. There are applications which are solely designed to establish communication between people. Technology, along with bringing people together, has also united people for certain causes. The case of Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement are obvious examples of the impact technology is exerting to attain meaningful outcomes for the welfare of society. However, this sense of connection is not always real.
The dark side
Technology can isolate users by prioritizing shallow interactions and promoting unhealthy habits. Specifically, social media is the key player. The applications designed to mitigate distances are not just limited to the feature of fostering communication. They incorporate a variety of features. These include the options to know what people around you are indulging in, which creates a sense of inferiority among those who find it difficult to portray their life as positively as others are doing.
Social media focuses on likes and followers. We get so obsessed with the hollow nature of these statistics that it sometimes becomes an arduous task to inspire ourselves to engage in real-life activities. This leads to a loss of interest in physical interactions. The lack of interaction, very obviously, becomes a reason for loneliness. Similarly, the thirst for likes and these superficial stats never gets satiated. As a result, mental health disorders start to dominate. This leads to a lack of interest in true and meaningful relationships. The trap then deepens. Our relations with loved ones strain, negatively impacting our activities. The actualization of T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Hollow Men’ occurs. Meaningful relations just become an unfulfilled dream.
With the technology ever evolving, this inner emptiness and dopamine-driven approach is now being exacerbated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is Frankenstein’s monster, indicating a spiritual decay. AI companions are there to deepen this crisis of human interactions. Technology’s design prioritizes profit over well-being, encouraging isolation under the guise of connection. We are connected, yet lonely.
There sparks another debate, a debate on the relative impact of technology on human relations.The dichotomy between individualism and collectivism is reflected in technological innovations. Social media platforms seem to nurture collectivism, connecting communities and promoting inclusivity.
However, as Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World warns, this collectivism can be superficial, masking individual isolation. Technology is promoting a sense of harmony and synergy, but the authentic essence of human nature is lost. We seem to be present in a setting but lost when it comes to the meaning and value of life.
The sense of being truly connected is fading. We are experiencing doldrums in silence and unable to cherish the jocund moments. Just blaming technology and not realizing our role in the issue is a problematic approach. The need to think rationally and discern the true intricacies of the matter is becoming essential. Letting ourselves fall into the abyss is not the solution.
Middle ground
Technology’s influence is neither inherently good nor bad. The impact relies on the usage, context, and design. If we choose to engage in profound discussions online that deliver substantial results, it can impact how we feel and help us form meaningful relations this way. On the other hand, passive scrolling breeds loneliness.
Examples in literature – like Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451 – show how technology both connects and isolates. It fosters human relations through digital networks but often replaces authentic bonds with shallow interactions. Psychologically, it satisfies belonging but risks emotional detachment, per Turkle’s Alone Together. Socially, it amplifies group dynamics, yet fosters division. The solution, reflected in Station Eleven, lies in mindful usage, prioritizing quality interactions, and balancing digital with physical presence. By setting boundaries and promoting inclusive digital spaces, technology can enhance authentic connections, mitigating isolation and preserving the depth of human relationships.
As the digital veil shrouds our interconnected lives, we’re reminded that technology’s duality is a reflection of our own: it can bridge worlds or build barriers, foster empathy or fuel isolation. The choice is ours, and the consequences are ours to bear. Let us gaze into the mirror of our screens and confront the habits that shape our humanity. Do we wield technology as a tool for connection, or does it hold us captive in a prison of solitude? As we navigate this brave new world, one question lingers: will we craft a future where technology serves us, or will it continue to define us?