Technology births social isolation
By Sergio VaqueraReporter, The VOICE
Recent studies have shown that as technology has grown, so have people: further apart. The ability to communicate with others around the world has opened a new realm of possibilities but has it hurt us more than helped us.
Photo by Sergio Vaquera/The VOICE
(From left to right) Nafia Nagibzada, Sadafi Hasanzada, and Mercedez Chauita spend time doing homework and chatting about their lives.
The need for human interaction is a constant in day-to-day life. There are many popular social networking sites online; however, it mistakes contact for true companionship. These sites while providing a way to connect just don't amount to real-life interaction.
People are feeling lonely despite the numerous ways to communicate with others. Around 20 percent of all individuals are, at any given time, unhappy because of social isolation, according to University of Chicago psychologist John Cacioppo.
People mistake this for depression and more often than not hide their feelings from others. They feel a certain shame in admitting they're lonesome.
The affects of loneliness can have very negative repercussions on a person. Some of Cacioppo's research has shown that lonely people struggle to sleep and in turn leads to greater fatigue. Other research shows stress associates with higher risks of cardiovascular disease.
Individuals seem to have less intimate friends than ever before, but the sense of community has faded and been replaced by a computer.
The fast pace world in which we now live gives people little to no time to socialize. Even when time is available others are thought to be too busy to disturb and thus a chance to form social bonds is lost.
The amount of contact one seeks is varied between the individuals. There is much time and effort to be put into forming a relationship with others. The process may be difficult for some but there is never a substitute for human contact.
Please send comments to svaquera@gccvoice.com
