7 ways that show how technology can bring us closer… or drive us apart!
Has technology brought us closer… or driven us apart?
7 ways that show how technology can bring us closer… or drive us apart!
In a world that changes at the speed of light, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. We open our eyes to the sound of the alarm on our smartphones, communicate with others through chat applications, and work, learn, shop, and travel thanks to tremendous technological development. But the question that arises today is: has this technology brought us closer to each other, or has it — without us realizing it — pushed us toward isolation and distance?
On Mudawanati, we believe that this question is not just a passing discussion, but an issue that touches every individual in society, whether young or old. So let's dive together into the depths of this topic and reveal 7 ways that show the two contrasting faces of technology: the face of closeness... and the face of distance.
1. A bridge for intercontinental communication :
No one can deny that technology has made the world a 'small village.' Years ago, communicating with someone in another country required sending letters that could take weeks, or making expensive phone calls. Today, with just the click of a button, we can speak face-to-face with anyone around the world.
Social media platforms and video chat applications have made it easy to share daily moments, whether it's a birthday party, a family occasion, or even an important work event. The distant has become near, and distances are no longer an obstacle to love and communication.
But this bright side is not without shadow, and we will see it in the following points.
2. Digital closeness… and real-world distance :
Although we have become digitally connected around the clock, many human relationships have begun to weaken in reality. You find the family gathered at the dining table, but each member is preoccupied with their own screen. You find friends at the café, but the silent conversation on the phone steals from them moments of warmth and laughter.
Technology has made us feel constantly connected, but in reality, it has weakened our ability to engage in genuine communication. A 'notification' or 'message' cannot replace a real smile or a look full of care.
3. Sharing moments… not living them :
In the era of speed, many people prefer capturing the moment rather than enjoying it. When we travel, we spend a long time arranging the perfect photo to share, more than we spend actually experiencing the trip itself. And when we attend a party or event, we are busy documenting it rather than engaging with it.
Here the question becomes deeper: Do we live for ourselves, or for the gaze of others? Technology, which is supposed to bring us closer, may steal from us the most beautiful moments and make us strangers to them.
4. Freedom of expression… and misunderstanding :
Social media has given everyone a platform to convey their ideas and opinions. This is a positive thing; voices are being heard, and information is accessible to all. However, on the other hand, this freedom can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or even feelings of isolation for those who find no one who truly understands them.
A written word may be understood differently from what was intended, a simple comment may spark widespread controversy, and the absence of body language makes communication less profound. Here, the other side of technology appears: superficial closeness... and real distance.
5. A platform for learning and growth… or a gateway to isolation :
One of the greatest achievements of technology is that it has made knowledge accessible at our fingertips. Through the internet, anyone can learn a new language, develop a skill, or attend lectures from the best universities in the world. This proximity to knowledge creates tremendous opportunities for personal and professional development.
However, on the other hand, immersion in the digital world may lead some people to withdraw from real social interaction. The virtual world becomes an alternative refuge to the real world, resulting in diminished social skills and an increased sense of loneliness.
6. Permanent link… or constant pressure?
In the past, a person could disconnect from the outside world when closing the door at the end of the day. Today, the smartphone has become an extension of social and professional life. Endless notifications, messages at any time, pressure to respond quickly… this constant connection can create a sense of exhaustion and disorientation.
Yes, we are closer to each other than ever, but we are also more tired, because we do not get real 'break' moments that allow us mental relaxation and rebalancing.
7. Algorithms that bring you closer… and trap you :
It is a strange paradox that technology brings us closer to people who share our interests, yet at the same time traps us inside a digital bubble.
Social media platforms use advanced algorithms that show us content aligned with our opinions and preferences, making us live in a closed world where we only hear voices similar to ours.
This matter reinforces the sense of belonging to a group, but it weakens our ability to accept those who are different and increases intellectual and social divisions.
💬 How do we balance digital closeness and distance?
- Setting a time to use devices.
- Allocating time for real-life meetings away from screens.
- Speaking honestly and deeply with others instead of just exchanging messages.
- Focus on living the moment before capturing it.
- Accept differences and engage with diverse opinions.
🔍 Links to scientific studies
| Number | Study Name | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Technology to reduce social isolation and loneliness (Monash University) | https://research.monash.edu/en/publications/technology-to-reduce-social-isolation-and-loneliness Research Monash |
| 2 | The Impact of Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Technology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health-Related Quality of Life: Observational Cross-sectional Study | https://www.jmir.org/2022/10/e41536 JMIR |
| 3 | Reducing Loneliness and Social Isolation of Older Adults Through Voice Assistants: Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis | https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e50534 JMIR |
| 4 | Effectiveness of Technology Interventions in Addressing Social Isolation, Connectedness, and Loneliness in Older Adults: Systematic Umbrella Review | https://aging.jmir.org/2022/4/e40125 JMIR Aging |
| 5 | Effectiveness of Technology‐Based Interventions for Reducing Loneliness in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34955948/ PubMed |
| 6 | The Effect of Information Communication Technology Interventions on Reducing Social Isolation in the Elderly: A Systematic Review | https://www.jmir.org/2016/1/e18/ JMIR |
| 7 | The effectiveness of technology interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older people: a mixed methods systematic review | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aggp.2024.100008 sciencedirect.com |
📝 خاتمة – من Mudawanati site
In a world surrounded by technology on all sides, we must remember that humans were created to communicate face to face, and that the soul is not nourished by notifications or comments. Technology may bring us closer to thousands of people, but it cannot give us the warmth of a single embrace or a sincere look from a loving eye.
in Mudawanati siteWe invite you to make technology a means to bring people closer, not push them away… a bridge, not a wall. Use it mindfully, as it is ultimately a reflection of the way we live and communicate.
