ACADEMIC WRITING ASSIGNMENT 2022-2023 ACADEMIC YEAR SECOND SEMESTER Does technology make us more alone? STUDENT NAME: Abdelrahman Mustafa STUDENT ID: 21-101003 FACULTY: Business informatics “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.” - Bill Gates. These words show how technology has connected the world and made the lives of people easier and better. In the last few years, smartphones, their applications, games, and other new technologies have become one of the most important things in the life of people, it is used for different things and by people of different ages. Some people think that technology has the potential of making us more alone. However, technology has the power to connect us in ways that were once impossible bringing people together from all corners around the world and foster a sense of community. Firstly, technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family, no matter where they are in the world. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and video conferencing tools allow us to communicate instantly and in real-time, regardless of distance. A recent article in The New York Times reported that video calling software has played a vital role in keeping families and friends connected during the pandemic (Smith, 2021). Before technology arrived at the picture human society relayed on letters. It was timeconsuming and the waiting time was unbearable. Also, there were many other malfunctions. Some of them are like delivering to the wrong person or missing the letter in the process. But after the technology arrives it’s easy trustworthy and fast. From telephone fax to modern messaging apps, it brought us close. No matter where we live, we can connect ignoring the distance. Meeting a person according to your desire wasn’t easy in old days. Also, people only had to wait until they meet them by chance. Not only that marriages were only limited to one group of society. But not only with the social media apps but also with dating apps it’s an easy task. You just must add the profile with the same interests. Secondly, technology has also enabled us to connect with people who share our interests and passions, even if they are halfway across the world. At this moment in time, many people are staying at home in order to flatten the curve. It is times like these that we realize how vital technology is to us and our societies. It provides us with the possibility to work remotely, to be able to keep up with the news and its latest developments, and it provides us with the ability to (video) call with our family and friends, and more importantly, it keeps us connected to each other. Despite the fact that people are physically distancing themselves, it is in many cases still possible to attend social activities — from celebrating birthday parties to a virtual bar mitzvah — all thanks to technology. Online communities and forums allow us to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate on projects with people from all walks of life. This has created a sense of global connectedness, as we realize that we are not alone in our pursuits and that there are others out there who share our goals. Technology has also facilitated greater collaboration and teamwork in various fields, from scientific research to business. Cloud-based tools and project management software allow teams to work together seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. This has led to increased productivity and innovation, as people are able to share their expertise and ideas freely. Moreover, technology has the potential to increase fostering a sense of community by connecting people across distances and facilitating communication. According to a study by Burke and Kraut (2016), social media platforms can create a sense of community and belonging among users. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and engage in conversations and activities. Online communities, such as forums and chat rooms, also provide spaces for people to come together and discuss topics that are important to them. Additionally, video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype can bring people together virtually, allowing for face-to-face interactions despite physical distance. According to a study published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, "online communication can facilitate social support and sense of community for individuals who may not have access to traditional forms of social support due to geographic or other constraints”. While technology has the potential to connect people across distances, some people argue that it also has the potential to make us feel alone. With the rise of social media and the constant availability of digital communication, people may feel pressure to constantly stay connected and may experience social isolation when they are not. In addition, some individuals may substitute online interactions for inperson interactions, leading to a lack of deep and meaningful connections. Furthermore, technology can also lead to a loss of privacy, as personal information can be easily accessed and shared online. In my opinion, using technology mindfully and balancing online interactions with in-person relationships can help us avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness. Also, making strong passwords to mobile and social media accounts, and keeping the software updated all the time can help us keep our privacy. In conclusion, technology has had a profound impact on the way we connect with others, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community and connectedness. While there are certainly negative aspects to technology, such as the potential for addiction and social isolation, when used responsibly, it has the power to bring us together and to create a more connected and empathetic world. Citation page Riham, M. (2022, May 11). 11 Ways Technology is bringing us together. Geeks Around Globe. https://geeksaroundglobe.com/11-ways-technologyis-bringing-ustogether/#:~:text=11%20ways%20technology%20is %20bringing%20us%20together%201,path%20for %20people%20in%20need%20...%20More%20item s NNN / how technology keeps us connected, now more than ever. Next Nature Network. (n.d.). https://nextnature.net/magazine/story/2020/technolo gy-keeps-us-connected
