Technology has been evolving at a very fast rate in the 21st century. Previously, it took several days or weeks for the news or messages to reach people in remote places. However, technology has brought a revolution in the way people communicate and transact businesses. The medical profession has benefited a lot from the use of computers. A computer can store records of patients and provide accurate data whenever necessary. It is also a useful research tool in the health sector. For instance, “studying certain cells, microorganisms, and bacteria, is possible with computers. It helps you save all the related information that you can refer to whenever required” (Makke 14). However, despite the benefits of technology, there are serious shortcomings that need to be addressed. More and more people are losing millions due to online fraudsters. In addition, children spend too much time on the internet, which hinders their learning process. Moreover, face-to-face communication seems to suffer more. Therefore, society should take cognizance of the adverse effects of technology. If this is not done, technology might have detrimental effects on people (Cliffe 12).
The use of technology allows people to communicate and interact with friends easily. For instant, it is easy to link with friends across the globe and share ideas daily (Whatton 17). This is not possible with face-to-face communication since people will need to be physically present to share and interact with others. Because many people are spending more time in chartrooms, interpersonal relationships are affected largely. Moreover, chartrooms can be misused. People can use fake names and identities making it impossible to know the person on the other side.
According to Cliffe, face-to-face communication is a better way of people’s interaction and sharing information as well as knowledge compared to chat rooms (34). Indeed, one can develop a better and lasting connection with someone you are seeing face-to-face than a person whom you cannot see in a chart room. Indeed, face-to-face communication is an effective way of passing information from one person to another. Accordingly, it is possible to accomplish more when people meet face-to-face than through chart rooms. Face-to-face communication can be effective in overcoming conflicts within an organization. It is through face-to-face communication that parties can read emotions of others. It should be understood that emotions play an important role in communication process. Makke writes, “Putting two people together in a room enables them to read each others’ expressions, body language and tone of voice. Nonverbal messages are often more important than the actual words” (28). Studies show that businesses can be lost if there is a breakdown in the communication process. As a result, face-to-face communication is valuable in securing good working relationships and business contracts (Sliffe 16).
In summary, technology has made communication easier for many people. It is now possible to work, make purchase and pay bills without going outside. A person can work through telecommuting, which has been made possible by the internet. However, despite these benefits, technology is a threat to face-to-face communication. Since many people are transacting businesses in their homes, little time is available for people to meet and socialize. Therefore, people should be aware of the adverse effects that technology has, especially on face-to-face communication. Indeed, there is a need to realize the benefits of technology and use it in the ways that are useful to society, while being conscious of its negative effects.
Works Cited
Makke, L. David. The Internet and Society. Nairobi: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print.
Sliffe, B. David. Taking sides: Clashing views on controversial psychological issues, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002. Print.
Whatton, J. Jane. Prisoners of Technology: Time to Get Unplugged!, London: Rooftop Publishing, 2006, Print.