By Ronnie Sorensen
Technology has had a major effect in our world whether we like it or not. Larger phones, more powerful computer systems, growing video-game consoles, and captivating social-media apps are just some of the examples of the expanding technological world that we live in. It’s captivating, enjoyable, and at times intoxicating.
In college, it is especially easy to lose yourself in that new phone, social-media app, or video game, but these new advances in technology don’t influence social isolation, as some older generations believe. It all comes down to our core discussion networks — our groups of close friends or family that we share our more personal conversations with — and how they are growing or shrinking.
In summary, technology does not cause social isolation — it actually prevents it. According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania, people who own phones have 12 percent larger social networks, and people who share photos on social media have 9 percent larger social networks. This is because social media has given us a way to stay connected with the people we meet in person via direct messaging, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social-media apps.
Yet many people would make the claim that technology pushes some individuals to not engage in social interactions; they contend that video games are to blame. While it is true that you can play video games instead of going out and meeting people, a student’s social network can actually be broadened with these games by playing together either online or with each other. Video games give students a commonality, and they are only a harmful source of entertainment when overused. There are times when I have played games on my PlayStation 4 instead of going out with others, but that’s because I’d rather stay inside after a long day of interacting with professors and other students and completing strenuous homework instead of further pushing myself to interact. College students are a stressed breed of people, and we all need time to relax, and we all have separate ways of obtaining that relaxation. This doesn’t mean that we will block out social situations entirely.
Besides, technology is not only used as a source of entertainment; students across the University of Iowa use their computers and cellphones to complete homework assignments, take notes, and write college papers. They are a necessity for students and are an aid for them when used in moderation for entertainment.
However, there are still some scenarios in which students would rather use technology instead of stepping outside their comfort zones. While many people may disagree, I believe that technology is not a gateway to social isolation but a fun way to de-stress after a long day, communicate with distant friends and relatives, and give you something to do in your free time. Technology makes life easier in hundreds of ways; it does not make certain activities, such as social interaction, more difficult.