Technology As A Distraction Analysis

Technology as a Distraction Technology is surrounding almost everyone in today’s world. It is nearly impossible not use some type of technology today. Since it is swarming humanity, it must come with some consequences, right? These consequences are a mix of good and bad. Writers such as Sherry Turkle and Andrew Sullivan discuss the bad and unintended consequences of the overuse of new devices like smartphones. These consequences all fall into one main idea which is that without its users even realizing it, technology is distracting people from the real world. There are many ways that technology is causing less interaction—whether it be at work, at a store, or just walking down the street. Most importantly, though, is the less social interaction
This technology is right in the palm of people’s hand, so they are going to take advantage of it. In fact, many people have some type of social media account. They can connect with other users, but that takes away from them being their own self. Turkle observes, “We use social networking to be ‘ourselves,’ but our online performances take on lives of their own” (160). People could be anyone they want to be online because it’s hard for others to tell who they really are through a screen. Turkle even states that the profiles on the Internet are the “better selves” of personalities (160). Users want to look good to others so then they’ll have more friends or seem smarter. This makes it difficult to tell how people are really feeling. But, at the same time, social media can help users become connected to others who have similar interests as them. Although this can help people make new friends, it still limits the social interaction that they would have if they went to a convention instead or went up and talked to someone
They must be constantly checking their phone, even if it is for a split second. Sullivan discusses a study done on young adults and their phones, and he reveals that from that study, “…The users weren’t fully aware of how addicted they were” (Sullivan). People have become so accustomed to checking their phones that it’s become a normal thing. This is what makes it harder to get people to realize that maybe they should take a break from the online world or even go to something like a meditation retreat center like Sullivan did. An addiction is hard to break especially when it’s constantly surrounding humankind. People need to realize that being popular or succeeding in life shouldn’t have to come from being consumed in a smartphone. Turkle even points out that this happens in the workforce by discussing a woman who is taking a vacation, but still receives many emails and messages because of, “‘Client anxiety,’ [Diane] explains. ‘They feel better if they communicate’ (166). People want instant replies because that’s what they’re used to getting from new technology. If someone replies right away, it doesn’t always mean it’s a good thing. The replier might not have done as much research or looking over the problem as they could have if they didn’t feel pressured into replying right away. Today, people want to get work done as quickly as possible, but they might