Essay Example on Technology Impact: Cyborgs, Social Media & Parental Attention

Introduction

The first main idea raised is that the discovery of cyborgs was meant to increase memory as well as productivity in the world that has vast of information (Turkle, 2017, 151).

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Communication got from digital technology is not able to replace in-person conversations for authentic social connections (Turkle, 2017, 154).

People have been addicted to their social media, and parents are too engaged in their phones, thus risking depriving their kids of attention that is crucial for development (Turkle, 2017, 159).

The mobile communications have made the face to face conversations incoherent as they are routinely disrupted as individuals attend their phone messages (Turkle, 2017, 161).

Being in solitude for reflection is crucial for health as it facilitates thinking; however, too much dependability on media takes away this time (Turkle, 2017, 167).

Digital media makes young people to network intensely, which in turn makes them abandon real-time roles above facilitating separation (Turkle, 2017, 169).

Meaning of the terms "Alone Together"

Being alone primarily means that you are not with other people. It means an individual is separated from others who are supposed to be with a person. Hence an individual feels unhappy as a result of the separation. "Together," on the other hand, is a collective term that means with each other. The author of Turkle book has used the two terms to depict how the issues detailed in the book have somewhat isolated many people. In other words, every individual is a victim of technological advancement. This is a beautiful title that summarizes how computer growth has seriously underpinned people's ability to connect. Instead of being together as a result of technology, they are alone physically and socially. Through these terms, the author is clear that technologies that attempt to offer more suppleness and scale in connecting with others via texting, online social networks, and discussion forums - it essentially weaken the productivity vital for the development of true intimacy. For instance, people admit that instead of meeting face to face, they prefer voice mails and email messages (Turkle, 2017, 11). They are thus alone collectively in an extent that they do not want real-time associations due to technology. Also, due to technology, people are glued to their devices, and there is no direct as well as real interaction in public spaces, lacking time even with oneself (Turkle, 2017, 167).

"Alone Together" Experiences

As the book has elaborated, technology has contributed to being alone. As for my case, I have got several experiences that indeed depict the relevance of the "Alone Together" title. Firstly, over and over, I have always been in awkward experiences in the usage of Facebook. Checking out profiles and late-night communications are clear indications that I am part of the broader community already trapped in the cage of technology. I can admit that the first thing to check every morning is the messages from thousands of friends online whom I have never met face to face. The effects are so profound that, just as Turkle states, I feel invincible and uncomfortable when I am without the cell phone.

When it comes to mobile games, I can also attest that it has made me be glued to my devices. In many cases, I forget many other commitments as I am with my online community busy in games. Sometimes it seems so awkward when I am all locked out alone in my room, away from the people who are close to me, yet connected to still a larger community through the networks. Although digital appliances seem to be unavoidable in our modern world, the issue of alone together can be solved by incorporating discipline in the usage of social media. For instance, more time with the family can be slotted, and only a short time engagement in social media.

Reference

Turkle, S. (2017). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. Hachette UK.