Technology and Social Interaction

It seems like yesterday where we actually had to meet people by going out into public and talking to them. Today, with all of the technological advances in our society, we meet people over the internet through online social networking, dating cites, message boards, etc. Although these sites have great value in our society today, I still like talking face to face to people. Without that physical contact, you can’t really see what a person is actually thinking. All of the frowns and smiles and other signals are missing because you are not face to face.
My personal opinion is that technology has left us too dependent on a “computer” to meet our needs and as a society we have become lazy. Technology has decreased or even eliminated the number of jobs available since we can now use computers to do jobs that were once done by man. Fewer jobs lead to fewer people who have the opportunity to provide for their families. The ideal world would be one where technology was widespread but not overpowering. We need to use the technology and social networking that we have to our benefit but not abuse it.
Now, although I believe relationships last longer when someone meets someone else in person, online dating sites also has its benefits. Relationships can be formed quicker through online communication and those who aren’t as comfortable or confident meeting people in person can create profiles describing themselves and post it on certain sites for the public to see. The only problem is, though, that people lie on their profiles. So who you meet online may not be the person you are expecting when you actually meet them. Now, more than ever, people are using online dating sites to develop relationships. These sites tend to eliminate the characteristics you aren’t looking for in a person while highlighting the ones you are looking for. Fact is more and more people are using online dating sites to kick off a relationship before going on a real date.
Ultimately it is up to each individual as to how they use the technology. I personally choose to use it to keep up with my friends and family but I definitely don’t overuse it. I want to live my own life; I don’t want technology to live it for me.