Dissolution of Human Interaction

Lauren Galley argues that verbal communication is on the decline in her human interaction talk. In fact, an astonishing 55% of teenagers listed texting as their main form of communication. Our dependency has become so acute, we now offer technology addiction treatment. Interestingly enough, of those who are currently being treated, 76% report feelings of depression and anxiety. Galley argues that our increased depression and anxiety can be partially attributed to the isolating elements of technology. Her theory is that communication is a give and take process that we can only do so much of. If we're pouring all of our energy into technical communication, then we will have less to put into human interaction.

Galley goes on to discuss the other harmful effects of technology; namely, it narrows our comfort zone, negates our leadership potential and has a dangerous impact on the evolution of the English language. Furthermore, technology is being introduced into our lives at younger and younger ages. This opens up a new realm of possibility and danger for children. In fact, the Internet continues to change our definition of a "stranger," and we allow ourselves to be much more vulnerable online than we would ever be in person.

For her final point, Galley argues that technology offers us a level of instant gratification that we then expect to achieve in all other areas of our life. She cautions that this may lead to an disproportionate sense of entitlement.