People have different views on whether modern technology makes individuals less sociable or whether it contributes to the formation of stronger relationships. While there are clear drawbacks to technology, I firmly believe that it does more good than harm in building and maintaining social ties.
Admittedly, there are various ways in which technology adversely affects individuals’ interpersonal skills. Were individuals to rely too heavily on technology in their daily lives, this could lead to addiction, thereby causing them to spend excessive amounts of time playing video games, scrolling through social media feeds, and binge-watching movies. As a result, they are highly likely to neglect more meaningful activities such as spending quality time with family members or hanging out with friends, which often leads to a diminished overall quality of life. This issue is especially concerning for teenagers, who are at the stage of forming friendships and developing social relationships.
In my opinion, however, using technology offers more opportunities to build and maintain relationships. When people use smartphones, laptops, and messaging platforms, they no longer need to physically visit the person they want to speak with, a process that often requires a substantial amount of time and energy. With just a few clicks on apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, individuals can easily keep in touch with their family members and friends regardless of distance. A case in point is employees working abroad, who stay connected with their relatives, loved ones, and acquaintances through daily video calls, which helps them to strengthen their bonds. Additionally, technology serves as a powerful catalyst for forming new relationships. Gone are the days when people had to attend special gatherings or parties to make friends, as today’s social media platforms have made it far easier – especially for teenagers – to meet new people and expand their social circle. Not only do these opportunities help individuals widen their network, but they also enable them to hone their interpersonal skills.
In conclusion, although some people argue that using technology has a negative impact on social skills and makes individuals less sociable by encouraging addictive behaviour, I assert that it is modern technologies that allow people to make new friends and keep in touch with their loved ones.