With advancements in communication technology, some contend that we have grown more sociable, yet others think it is the opposite which is true. Despite some valid points behind the contribution of communication technology, I believe that it affected our sociability adversely.
Advocates of social networking websites and technologies put forward several arguments to consider. As such state-of-the-art technology as computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones now aid users in keeping in touch with their loved ones or like-minded friends and acquaintances, bridging geographical gaps, we are facilitated with instant communication via online meetings, conferences and chats. Not only does this allow for immediately building a conversation, but it also drives less interactive and merely sociable individuals to connect to society more intensively, an aspect that improves social cohesion.
However sensible these views might be viewed, I side with those who assert that this technology influenced unfavorably our social skills. Firstly, since we place too much emphasis on online socializing, our communication skills lack proper practice and erode over time, creating a culture where people can not navigate real-life interactions. This, in turn, undermines our negotiation abilities, making us less articulate and compromising mutual understanding within the public. This situation is prevalent in most developed countries, where Facebook, Twitter, or Telegram – social messaging applications – are steadily becoming the mainstream communication means.
Having considered these standpoints, I hold the stance that although online socialization has somehow boosted communication, its negative affects rendered the general public less sociable in real life, making me support opponents of online communication.