Isolating People or Bringing Them Together?
By Suebee
@Suebee (2013)
Canada
April 26, 2012 8:26pm CST
Do you think that computers tend to bring people together or cause isolation? We all know that computers can be a great device for keeping in touch with family and friends who do not live close to us. Sometimes, however, they have the opposite effect of isolating people. Some people tend to get so caught up in using the computer that before they know it, they are spending more time on the computer than they are with people and real life. One example I can site is that I know one woman who, after starting to play one of the popular beta computer games, said she hadn't left her house since she started playing the game. What are your thoughts and ideas on this?
1 person likes this
9 responses
@Bluedoll (16774)
• Canada
28 Apr 12
I have a strong opinion about this topic. Hope it alright to express it this way. Not pointing my finger at anyone here. I agree with the idea that computers can cause ill effects such as described about the woman that never left her house. If that went on for too long it would not be a good thing for her. On the other hand computers have open up doors that have not been there before. So which is true then, isolation or bringing people together?
What if we all accepted an opinion that all technology is bad and should be disbanded. Does this mean no flying in airplanes, no medical procedures, most factories should close. We can see this is not practical. I’m presenting this idea to show a different side to the question instead of just blurting out with my next comment.
As a computer user how dare some people, how inconsiderate of some people when they have put me down in the past, when they have the audacity to tell me not to use my computer as if they have some superior knowledge and think they are absolutely right about everything. My personal computer has given me comfort, allowed me to learn new things, provided me with a source of entertainment and interest, yet it has been my experience that in some circles, computers continue to be a subject of discontent if others see you enjoying the use of it. Why is that?
Just my opinion but keep in mind I do agree that in everything it is better if we maintain a reasonable balance.
1 person likes this
@Bluedoll (16774)
• Canada
29 Apr 12
No, not in any way did I think this discussion was a put down. It is a discussion that is looking at two possibilities and that is great! No, the reason I have such a strong opinion comes from other experiences online on some sites other than mylot. I’ve been hurt Suebee. Thanks for asking the question.
I think everyone is looking for a balance that is good for them and suits their needs. We influence each other though and in the end have to make up our own minds. Sometimes I think I am doing the right things too and then question what I am doing as well. Thats pretty much with everything though.
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@Suebee (2013)
• Canada
29 Apr 12
I think the key to your response Bluedoll is maintaining a reasonable balance. I totally agree. Technology is not a bad thing at all. And yes, people are inconsiderate if they put others down for using and enjoying their computer. I hope you didn't in any way interpret this question as such. In fact, I myself spend a great deal of time on my computer.
@allyoftherain (7208)
• United States
27 Apr 12
I had an economics teacher who was fond of saying, "Yeah, computers really bring us together. I can talk to someone in China and ignore my own kid."
I think that technology has a tendency to isolate us. Even if we're in contact with others online, it's no replacement for a good face-to-face talk with a great friend. I've met some good friends online, but if all I had were online friends then I'd feel pretty empty. So I think technology and computers have done lots of bad things along with the good things.
1 person likes this
@kukueye (1759)
• Malaysia
27 Apr 12
Well there is quantity in using computer for communcation , however, the quality of communication suffers , for example people use to call each other and explain stuffs, now it just pieces of sms which are small and using bad language and such with short forms . Last time people used to write good long letters , nowsday it just pieces of twitter message and such.
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@Suebee (2013)
• Canada
28 Apr 12
Yes, things have certainly changed over the years. I can say that I much prefer talking in person or over the phone to someone rather than on the computer or texting them. In fact, I only have a cell phone for safety reasons or emergencies (like when I'm driving). I rarely even turn it on.
@averygirl72 (37764)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
Computer and cyberspace is a new dimension, many people are more and more into virtual world. That is very true, there are many people now who would like to participate more in the virtual world than the actual world.
No real contact but people can actually form bond with other people even if they are miles apart. I never know what the trend will be in the future.
1 person likes this
@thewonderboy (7501)
• India
27 Apr 12
Computers and other devices help us to connect people from different locations. They also help us to have different fun. They provide us a good time by having fun with them. They gives us puzzles and other games for the time but the very important thing about internet is they help us to do the tasks easy with less time. This is the one of the reason why computer has been set up and later why it was simplified .
But now most of them uses it for having fun. Most of them including children spend most of the time in front of them by playing games and it influence lot on them. This is turned to addiction.
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@Suebee (2013)
• Canada
28 Apr 12
Exactly. The computer can be a very useful tool if used properly. The trouble starts when people stop interacting with others face to face and the computer essentially becomes their life, their main source of entertainment, communication etc. It just doesn't compare to human contact.
@superbadx (484)
• Malaysia
27 Apr 12
In my personal opinion, i think that computers are isolating people from real life. Teenagers nowadays should go out having good times to remembers when they are old. Computers or internet actually are only for communicating people from far away like family members on overseas or something, but now people are using it to get lazy and actually hang on on the virtual world of internet. Even though i think it is isolating people, but it is actually not a bad thing for nowadays, since the environment outside are unhealthy for the teenagers with bad influences and everything.
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@Suebee (2013)
• Canada
28 Apr 12
I tend to agree with you superbadx in that computers isolate people, but there is also the other side of the coin that computers are a tool that can bring people together. Some good arguments can be made for both sides. I find that people tend to use the computer more and more (or cell phones and texting) rather than talking to people directly. I would rather have a phone call on my actual phone and hear the voice of a friend than to read a text, but that's just my personal preference.
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
If you think about it, a computer is really just a tool. It's still our choice whether we're going to let it destroy our ties with other people, or strengthen it. It's like a knife. You either cut the rope that bonds the arms, or cut the person instead.
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@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
30 May 12
Personally, I do think that Facebook - in particular, is creating isolation. It is far easier to type a message to someone than to ring them up and start a conversation..or even going round to see that person. Often, they are only across the road or next door..so that's where the isolation kicks in. Without computers they would have to communicate properly i.e. verbally and I do blame the parents to some extent. Kids are using computers at school. One would think they would want a break from them but no..they carry on at home.
I also think it's dangerous for kids to have computers in their rooms. I should imagine it is common for them to log on once their parents are asleep..in my day it would be a book and torch under the covers lol.
But that was innocent; you see what I'm getting at? Kids are growing up way too fast and, to be honest, many are little sh*ts that throw a tantrum at the slightest thing..especially if they don't get their own way..so the parents give in. After all, they have THEIR lives to lead online too, don't they?
But that was innocent; you see what I'm getting at? Kids are growing up way too fast and, to be honest, many are little sh*ts that throw a tantrum at the slightest thing..especially if they don't get their own way..so the parents give in. After all, they have THEIR lives to lead online too, don't they?@Suebee (2013)
• Canada
30 May 12
I think that the computer can be a useful tool if used properly, but that's a big IF. I have a Facebook account myself and I use it quite often. I enjoy being able to "chat" with family members who live in a different city than I do (most of them are at least a 4 hour drive from me). I also like to keep in touch with my two sons, who live in a different province than I do. I like seeing their pictures on FB and catching up with them. Even though I phone them on a regular basis to talk, and visit them when time and money allows, the computer still plays a role.
However, having pointed that out, I personally think that the use of computers and social networking sites tend to isolate people. Most people who use the sites sit there, by themselves, alone with their computer falsely thinking that they are connecting with people when, in actual fact, the opposite is happening. Hello! Look around you? Who are you socializing with? Who is sitting beside you, interacting with you? No ONE!
In the case of kids using computers, they are not gaining the social skills needed to interact effectively with real people. Yes, they can play games, even compete with other people on the computer in other countries, but it's all virtual. To say the people they play with are not real or that FB friends are not real is not entirely true, as they ARE real people, but at the same time are they really your friends? Are you going to meet them, in person, for any type of social activity? Yes, one can "connect" with a person in a different country, someone who they will probably never meet in their lifetime, but at the same time they are isolating themselves from the people around them.
@AsianBelle (75)
• South Africa
27 Apr 12
I know a few people like your friend. They can stay for days in the house playing online computer games, or chatting online with people from all over the world. The latter is fun, as I had done that before, for a few years, but I never let the games or chat-rooms take over my life.
I think that is the mistake most people make. They let technology take over their lives and in result, they start isolating themselves from real life.
