Technology and Human Conversation

By: K. Sean Connolly

“There really is something about the

human voice that communicates depth

of feeling, depth of passion; we don’t

learn self esteem if we always get to

present ourselves in ways where we can

edit who we are.”

Facebook:

Friend or

Foe?

Photo Credit: Wikimedia commons

Two-thirds of online American adults

(67%) are Facebook users, making

Facebook the dominant social

networking site in this country

Photo Credit: flickr Chris Potter

21%- Too busy and/or not enough time. 10%- General lack of interest 10%- Absence of compelling content 9%- Too much drama 8%- Concerned about overuse

Statistics from: “Coming and Going on Facebook”- Pew Internet Photo Credit: Flickr Jen R.

Depersonalizing the Introductory Stages of a Relationship

“If they wish to pursue further

contact, they can send an informal friend request to

the target, so that they can access

each other’s profiles fully and open the lines of communication.” “I Now Pronounce you FBO: Facebook Official” -Tom Jacobs

Photo Credit: flickr Josh Lloyd

-Too many or too little Facebook Displays of Affection -Current friends becoming friendlier

-Tagged photos with an ex -Worrying about significant other’s page

-Friend requests from an ex -Facebook secrets

Photo Credit: Google ~LNePrZ

Information from: “Facebook Relationship Problems: How Social Networks and Jealousy Affect your Love Life” – Katherine Bindley

Photo Credit: flickr Fiesta Tacos

“We think constant connection will make us feel less lonely. The opposite is true. If we are unable to be alone, we are far more likely to be lonely. If we don’t teach our children to be alone, they will know only how to be lonely.” “The Flight from Conversation” -Sherry Turkle

Photo Credit: flickr naraekim0801

We need to take our lessons learned as one of the first digital generations and pass it on to our children, so that they appreciate the power of social media while understanding the consequences of misusing it.

Photo Credit: flickr Andy Wilkes

As we proceed further down the digital rabbit hole, we must take a grip and remember the value of disconnecting and appreciating the real world around us. We must appreciate the life lessons learned from making human mistakes as well as exploring the world and the many people it contains. Photo Credit:

flickr Antara

“The answer, therefore, is not to step completely away from texting and messaging, but rather step aside — becoming cognizant of the

impact of virtual conversation on daily communication.

As for the remaining challenge? Well, perhaps it’s time to start tuning out the virtual in effort to refocus on old-fashioned

conversation pre-days of digital communication.” “Conversation in the Age

of Digital Communication” -Emma Beck

Photo Credit: geograph Mary and Angus Hogg