We are constantly informed that technology in this rapidly developing era is intended to promote interpersonal communication. I can't totally concur.Only because of human invention is technology ever a thing. Because of this, humans are the most crucial component of the digital jigsaw. We run the risk of forgetting the main reason we invented technology in the first place, which was to enhance communication and interpersonal connections.

To be sure, technology has played a significant role in shaping the way that our world is today. With the help of technology, we can do activities more quickly, interact instantly with friends and colleagues around the world, and appear more a part of the world.But how closely knit are we really?

Increasing Consistency in Digital Use and Consumption

We've all helped make digital consumption more commonplace throughout the years. Why wouldn't we, given that modern technology allows us to interact virtually with others and access a limitless supply of knowledge? There is no black-and-white answer to the question of whether technology is good or bad in this debate.What is the response? Not quite.Many people now understand that we are less likely to interact in person or through a real conversation as a result of how easily technology provides us with updates on the people in our network.

Put this to use for your own workday. Instead of going to your coworker's desk when you have an idea, do you send them an email or ping them? Instead of following the 12 steps necessary to speak to your coworker face-to-face, you probably choose the digital path and spend more time carefully structuring your communication.

Technology and Time

When talking about how technology both helps and hinders human connection, it's important to keep in mind how much time we spend consuming content and connecting with others online.American individuals spend more than 11 hours a day watching, listening to, reading, or otherwise engaging with media, according to a 2018 Nielsen report. 

Spending that much time online daily is almost half. Emojis, stickers, gifs, and bitmojis are all examples of how online communication has advanced, yet genuine engagement that we as humans appear to need still cannot be provided by technology-based contact.

What Human Connections Are We Missing?

To establish a social rapport with others, humans have an inbuilt desire for human connection. It is essentially impossible to recreate this type of social connection online given the intricacy of human communication (verbal and nonverbal). This is not to suggest that technology has fully eliminated our ability to connect; it merely means that the way we connect digitally and analogously differs.

It is crucial for our mental health to have genuine human connections, close relationships that include touch and eye contact, empathy when around others, and listening ears when we inquire about someone's wellbeing in and outside of the workplace.

Digital Reimagination

In order to give people a truly happy and connected online experience, how can we rethink how we use technology? We can start by acknowledging that technology alone does not make the world go around; rather, it is the people who use it who do.Despite the automation and simplicity that digital technologies provide to a business, it is still necessary to have a human supporting the technology and various software for it to function effectively. 

In this manner, we are able to enjoy and make use of emerging technologies like mixed reality, augmented reality, and virtual reality without completely eroding our ability to interact with one another.

Concluding Remarks

Today, a large portion of the population prefers to live virtually over physically. This has frequently led to a proliferation of frail connections and a sharp decline in intimacy, all of which have an impact on how individuals behave, hold beliefs and expectations, and see others. Technology has significantly influenced how children see and engage with the world and other people, which has an impact on their development.

But when applied properly, technology can really close disparities. People all around the world now have the option to interact with one another in a potent, if unconventional, way since it has substantially improved global communication, increased the effectiveness of transportation, and other personal and professional duties.