Technology: Revolutionizing Human Interactions & Information Sharing - Essay Sample

Introduction

Technology has played a significant role in revolutionizing human civilization. Through the advent of technological advancements, the sharing of information has dramatically improved from traditional means like print media and mailing services to cellphone and internet communication (Chiang et al. 2019, p. 56). The invention of the smartphone had been a significant transformation in the nature and frequency of social interactions between people at various distances. Since the 20th Century, the smartphone has increasingly become an essential communication gadget for the vast majority of the world population (Elhai et al. 2017). This paper critically analyzes the social impacts of smartphone technology. The trends in smartphone use and abuse are succinctly discussed herein.

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The smartphone was invented in the mid-1990s as one of the advancements in information and communication technology. Smartphones enable users to call, send text messages, take and share photographs, and surf the internet for information and social interactions (Hong et al. 2019, p. 3). Smartphones are used for a variety of information and communication purposes. Smartphone technology and access to the internet promotes education, research, and commerce. This is because smartphones provide a more convenient means to access the internet compared to other technologies like laptops and desktops. Smartphones are preferred for their portability and small size, which enables comfortable carrying and operation of the devices in virtually all situations. With the advent of the internet and social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Instagram, the smartphone has become a handy gadget for many people spanning all the demographics (Chiang et al. 2019, p. 59). The youth are the biggest consumers of smartphone technology.

Whereas the positive impacts of smartphones in research, commerce, and education cannot be disputed, smartphones as a social interaction tool have elicited mixed influences. This technology has fulfilled the human need for immediacy in social settings (Hong et al. 2019, p. 7). The smartphone has facilitated the initiation and termination of various social relationships over the virtual space, such as via video calls. The smartphone, in conjunction with the internet, has eased social communication between people. The smartphone and internet facilitate the establishment of social connections transcending all parameters of social diversity such as race, gender, religion, and socioeconomic status. By enabling fast and efficient verbal, written, and graphic communication across distance, smartphones lead to flourishing social interactions and intimate human relationships. Smartphones are also used widely as an entertainment tool (Elhai et al. 2017). The use of various apps for a variety of social functions makes smartphones a great tool in offering convenience, immediacy, and accessibility in the social endeavors of smartphone users.

Despite promoting convenience, immediacy, and accessibility, smartphones have been increasingly abused by many users, thus creating additive behaviors (Chiang et al. 2019, p. 53). The addictive use of smartphones has also been linked to social and psychological problems such as depression among heavy smartphone users. The most affected users by smartphone addiction are the youth and adolescent population (Elhai et al. 2017). Smartphone addiction is characterized by an overdependence on smartphones that creates a disconnect in healthy social interactions between people. Smartphones have been shown to impede intimate relationships. According to various studies, smartphone users spend more time on their smartphones at the expense of quality face-to-face social connections (Chiang et al. 2019, p. 62). Studies reveal that smartphone use for social interactions does not allow for emotional expression, as is the case for face-to-face interactions. As a result, smartphone users are at risk of building up negative and maladaptive emotions (Elhai et al. 2017). Such negative feelings may cause psychological disturbances, such as depression and suicidality.

From the preceding analysis, smartphones have had mixed effects on social interactions. These handy gadgets have created flourishing social connections. On the flipside, smartphones have caused maladaptive social trends such as technology addition and psycho-emotional challenges like depression. However, the invention of smartphones was geared towards strengthening social connections (Hong et al. 2019, p. 1). The negative impacts of smartphones are primarily attributed to user behavior. As such, the remodeling of user behavior is the best way to eliminate the harmful effects of smartphones while promoting its positive influence.

References

Chiang, I. P., Wu, Y. J., & Yang, J. Y. (2019). Exploring Smartphone Users' Social Information Behavior. Contemporary Management Research, 15(1), 53-67. Hyperlinked https://www.cmr-journal.org/article/view/18461

Elhai, J. D., Hall, B. J., Levine, J. C., & Dvorak, R. D. (2017). Types of smartphone usage and relations with problematic smartphone behaviors: The role of content consumption vs. social smartphone use. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 11(2). Hyperlinked https://cyberpsychology.eu/article/view/7069

Hong, F. Y., Lin, C. C., Lin, T. J., & Huang, D. H. (2019). The relationship among the social norms of college students, and their interpersonal relationships, smartphone use, and smartphone addiction. Behaviour & Information Technology, 1-12. Hyperlinked https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0144929X.2019.1699959