Alone Together by Sherry Turkle: Effects of Technology on Behavior

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Telecommunication and Human Behavior
Human Interactions
Etiquette
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The 21^st century brought significant changes in technology. Turkle emphasizes on the benefits of these developments, especially with regards to telecommunication. It is noted that technology is meant to make most of the activities undertaken by humans enjoyable. However, many people are increasingly depending on it. The dependency appears to affect the conduct of individuals in a number of ways.

The author of the current essay examines the impacts of information and communication technology (ICT) on human behavior in the context of Sherry Turkle’s “Alone Together: Why we Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other”. The paper evaluates artificial intelligence, its benefits, and how it affects people in general.

Turkle points out that technology informs the development of certain attributes among individuals (4). The author of this paper examines some of these behavioral patterns. The analyses made in this text are guided by one thesis statement. To this end, it is argued that technology influences the personalities of individuals in the society.

Telecommunication and Human Behavior

Artificial intelligence, as the name suggests, involves the situation where the human interface in various activities is replaced by a machine. According to Turkle, the machines operating on this form of acumen are meant to take over tasks that were previously the preserve of human actors (17). According to Brian, advanced technology in the telecommunications sector has improved social relationships. For instance, one can access the Internet and converse with people from different parts of the world. However, many individuals are ignorant of the impacts that artificial intelligence has on them.

Technological developments have seen the rise of various social platforms. Turkle cites Facebook and Twitter as the most common social sites (19). The forums help people to interact and connect with each other without the need to leave their homes (Brian 16). The impacts of such technology on social interactions are made apparent when there are problems in connectivity. According to Turkle, one of the negative consequences of dependency on ICT is the fact that it alienates individuals from the social world and alters their personalities (34). One may remain lonely in spite of the fact that they have a plethora of friends they are connected to online.

Human Interactions

The major effect of technology on people involves reduced social interactions. Turkle highlights how easy it is to communicate with other people through such avenues as video calls (17). The platforms reduce physical contacts between individuals. Brian supports this opinion by arguing that such a move alters the personality of the actor. For instance, when one is attached to an online gaming platform, they may forget how to interact with others in a social set up. Consequently, such people may develop an introverted kind of personality.

A human touch is totally different from the experience associated with a machine that relies on artificial intelligence. Turkle illustrates this notion by using the example of an author (49). It is possible for a machine to write and publish a book. However, the text may lack the emotional aspect of humanity. As a result, the readers will constantly demand for emotional attachment with the author. Turkle suggests that this form of starvation arises when people overrely on the virtual world created by technology.

Etiquette

Etiquette is an important aspect of human personality. When people disregard protocol, perceptions of arrogance are bound to arise. Individuals who are aware of the dangers associated with lack of etiquette may be overwhelmed by self-pity after offending others. Turkle uses a personal experience to highlight this scenario (56). Turkle’s friend talks of the joy of a free Internet call to her grandmother. However, she (the friend) explains that the grandmother is unable to multitask.

Turkle illustrates the frustrations of the lady given that she may not be able to pay attention to the old woman (57). Such acts demonstrate the absence of etiquette, which is an emerging culture among many internet users. The convenience associated with technology may make people forget about the things that matter the most in life. For instance, individuals may focus more on their phones than on other people when attending a social event. The importance of etiquette in the society cannot be overemphasized. The absence of this element threatens the stability of the entire social setting.

Conclusion

Technology exists to make life bearable. Turkle acknowledges the benefits of this phenomenon, but warns against relying too much on it (289). In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of technology were highlighted. Developments in ICT may have negative impacts on human behavior. Loneliness, self-pity, and introversion are some of the undesirable effects of over-dependence on technology.

Artificial intelligence should not be used as a substitute for humans. Turkle argues that ICT should supplement the roles played by individuals (300). As indicated in this paper, technology has a direct impact on the personalities of humans. As such, dependency may lead to changes in these human attributes.

Works Cited

Brian, Christian. The most Human Human: What Artificial Intelligence teaches us about being Alive, Chicago: Anchor, 2011. Print.

Turkle, Sherry. Alone Together: Why we expect more from Technology and Less from Each Other, New York: Basic Books, 2013. Print.

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Alone Together by Sherry Turkle: Effects of Technology on Behavior

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