The advent of technology created unprecedented opportunities in medicine, business, and across other industries globally. Specifically, smartphones and the Internet have radically optimized communication systems, shaping the way society evolves, develops, and behaves in their interactions with others. For example, Skype, Viber calls, Zoom, WhatsApp calls, and FaceTime allow people to utilize the Internet for global communication. Although technology had bridged the global gap of interaction, it can negatively affect relationships. In the seminal work, The limits of friendship, Maria Konnikova challenges the impact of social media on interaction in reference to the Dunbar number. Dalai Lama and Peter Singer further discuss the consequences of technology on society and culture. Social media is a defining element in today’s society, with complex communication forms that can amplify ethical standards.
In essence, human beings depend on social contact to cope with major life changes, both positive and negative. Dunbar established that given the size of an average brain, a person’s social group has an average of one hundred and fifty individuals (Konnikova 2). Human relationships shape a lifetime of connections that become part of one’s identity. In that view, Lama emphasizes on the implications of technology on the human development (188). Networks like Instagram, Tinder, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook are transforming the foundation of human interaction. According to Singer, “technology breakthroughs have made it easy to collect, store, and disseminate data on individuals, corporation, and even the government” (462). Users typically create unique profiles with personal information to communicate various kinds of media messages, from video to text.
Given the rising challenges imposed by industrialization and innovation, social media had become a massive part of daily living. As Lama implies, religion and science are of the same path to truth (188-189). For one, social media helps cultivate and maintain relationships. Morten Hansen asserted that the use of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter helps in expanding networks strategically, which challenges Dunbar’s number (Konnikova 4). For example, it is possible to have hundreds of followers on Instagram, changing the idea of friendship. Social media overcomes the challenge of distance by helping keep track of friends, follow up on their lives, and offer support. Plus, when people meet online, they can create an online world that challenges their worldview and eventually reach the mainstream.
Social networking further facilitates effective collaborations that are often the starting point of meaningful relationships. A social media profile typically offers a glimpse of a person’s personality, including hobbies, views, interests, and opinions. As Singer highlights, “We blog, tweet, and post what we are doing, thinking, and feeling. We allow friends and contact, and even strangers to know where we are at any time” (462). For instance, Twitter asks users to list their interests as they make their profiles to help find common ground with like-minded individuals. Plus, online collaboration helps create a larger platform that helps people find their voice in addressing contemporary issues, including social, political, and economic ills.
Furthermore, businesses are leveraging social media to maintain a competitive pace. As outlined by Konnikova, social media expands networks that greatly influence the business landscape (4). Successful enterprises and start-up businesses alike optimize social platforms to connect with customers, build brand image, and increase sales. In terms of brand imaging, social media helps reach a bigger audience, which influences business recognition. Apart from growing an online audience, promoting content online can help prove a seller’s expertise. Singer contends that with an audience of a half a billion on Facebook, people can network, share information, and even do self-promotion. However, “The higher the level of knowledge and power, the greater must be our sense of moral responsibility” (Lama 188). Nonetheless, businesses can evaluate competition and provide value by developing personalized experiences through a social platform.
However, relationships are increasingly becoming reliant and transient on digital platforms. The ramifications are far-reaching, from a political to an ethical and social level (Lama 194). As such, Lama proposes a moral compass to counter the dangers of the misuse of technology. Konnikova contends that “social networks may be growing our base, and, in the process, reversing that balance” (5). While social media offers numerous ways of combating social isolation, it also undermines the quality of relationships. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the effect of social media on the biological, emotional, and ethical dimensions of human relationships.
Social media has several advantages but also has a drastic effect on adults and their relationships. Lama states that, “Todays challenges are so great and the dangers of the misuse of technology so global, entailing a potential catastrophe for all humankind” (188). Among the drawbacks is that social media creates unrealistic expectations. Likewise, Singer raises concern on how technology subject people to public scrutiny (463). For example, Instagram has filtered posts that might set unrealistic expectations for other users. Lama states that, “we must respond in a spirit of humility, recognizing not only the limits of our knowledge but also our vulnerability to being misguided in the context of such a rapidly changing reality” (200-201). When people try to measure up to unrealistic expectations, it inevitably leads to self-disappointment, negatively affecting relationships, and consequently causing health-related issues.
The overuse of social platforms can also contribute to anxiety and fear of missing out. People often stay constantly connected and updated on the well-being of friends and family. However, the need to remain connected results in problematic social media use. Singer asserts that, “the standards of what we want to keep private and what we want to make public are constantly evolving” (463). An adverse impact of overusing social platforms is cognitive and emotional suppression. Konnikova asserts that virtual connections cannot replace the physiological aspect of relationships (5). For example, while Facebook allows instant connections, it undermines relationships for young adults. For this reason, Lama states emphasizes on recognizing human values that transcend science and religion (197). Social media can interfere with social activities and in turn, reduce behavioral interactions.
When users repeat the pattern of using social media to cope with real life issues, dependency on virtual interactions increases. Singer raises concern on privacy issues since technology makes it easy to collect and disseminate personal data (462). For instance, inversive surveillance makes it easy to monitor citizens and disclose their data for malicious activities. As such, Lama urges on remaining “vigilant in ensuring that we remain honest, self-aware, and unbiased; the danger otherwise is that we may fall victims to self-delusion” (200). Therefore, the growing human knowledge and the social media potentials is not the main concern. Rather, the use of the new knowledge and social media in an ethical manner.
In summary, social media has introduced several opportunities in today’s society, intensifying ethical standards. The number of people using Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and other social networking cites continues to grow as these platforms introduce more opportunities and challenges. These platforms are replacing face-to-face interactions with virtual connections. Plus, in a world increasingly becoming digital, the Dunbar number may cease to remain relevant. Through social platforms, people can increase their social circle despite the effect of distance. Nonetheless, social media threatens some social skills that develop effectively under observation. Additionally, social media adversely affects mental well-being and raises privacy issues. Generally, social media is changing the nature of human behavior and interaction.
Works Cited
Konnikova, Maria. The limits of friendship. The New Yorker 7, 2014.
Lama, Dalai. The universe in a single atom: The convergence of science and spirituality. Harmony, 2005.
Singer, Peter. Visible man: Ethics in a world without secrets. Harper’s Magazine 34, 2011.