Snack for Thought: Is Technology Inhibiting our Real-Life Communication Skills?

Is technology inhibiting our real-life communication skills and is it giving people a new definition of what is considered fun?

Technology has become an essential part of most people’s lives, causing many people to prefer communication through texts instead of real-life communication. A study done by Elon University demonstrates that out of 100 people, every single person owned a smartphone or tablet. Half of the survey respondents said that they talked with people more through their phones than in real life.

Nowadays, it has become normal for people to be on their smartphone for hours on end, even when hanging out with friends. Children have also become victims of technology. Before, they would spend their time playing with toys or at a park; now, it is increasingly common for children to stay at home with their eyes glued to a screen. Many families also spend their time looking at screens while at the dinner table and they do not notice the silence surrounding them that could be filled with voices conversing.

Junior Tiffany Chan states that there are some advantages to communication through technology because it is a very positive tool when communicating long distance. Apps such as Skype have become a great way to stay in contact with people living many kilometers away. On the other hand, personally, I have noticed that I spend a substantial amount of my time on my phone even though I am very conscious about how I could perfectly well be doing other things instead.

So there’s this week’s snack for thought: Do you think that technology is inhibiting our real-life communication skills? Please leave comments below and let us know your opinions.