Just one click away
Some say modern technology has shortened the distance between people. Others say technology is the very barrier that stands between interactions. What do you think? I certainly think that modern technology can, to a large extent, bring people closer, though of course there’re exceptions. Do you want to know why I have this stance? Read on!
Technology can, first, bring friends and families closer together. In today’s world, especially in bustling cities like Hong Kong, people often have to work day and night, and it is hard for them to always spare time to meet with their beloved. Using modern technology, like phones, Whatsapp, or even Skype, we cannot only connect with people in the same country, but also those across the world. Modern technology can transcend the boundaries of districts and borders of countries, allowing us to talk to faraway friends and relatives. In the past, communication could only be done by post, and such slow and inconvenient ways were detested by most people. Owing to its inefficiency, people were discouraged from communication and their relationships could be hindered. However, now, with modern technology, everybody’s just one click away, so we can still talk to people who are not in close proximity, enabling us to foster strong bonds and thus, bringing us closer together.
What’s more, the element of convenience not only enables efficient communication, but also encourages communication. We all love our family and friends, and given the chance, we would always choose, without doubt, to talk to them. This communication was impeded and discouraged in the past by tedious means of interaction, but with more convenience, we would take the initiative to contact our loved ones. Not only has the quality of communication been increased, the quantity would be raised as well.
For bringing strangers closer together, social media has played an essential role in facilitating the flow of information. One special feature of social media is that trending issues or posts around the world are shown on our individual feeds, and this characteristic allows information to be distributed more widely and extensively. In particular, recent humanitarian crises like the Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Rohingya Crisis have been able to draw widespread attention through social media, and the inhumane treatment of the victims drawn international sympathy. Awareness raised on these issues spurred many people to make donations and even form concern groups that take actions like writing to newspapers on the issues. The increased flow of information helps draw out the compassionate and empathetic side of people, helping even strangers to band together on one single objective. So, modern technology can shorten the distance between people.
Of course, the technologies have their pitfalls as well. Excessive use or even addiction would impede face-to-face communication, and this is used by many as the argument that modern technology widens the distance between people instead. Sadly, this is a fact, but it can’t be blamed on the technology. It is the usage of the modern inventions that causes communication to grind to a halt. Like how a knife is not evil in itself, and only the wielder would make it evil by misusing it for criminal objectives, modern technology is made with the best intentions of facilitating communication. If we do not misuse the technology, it can in fact help us in bridging the distance between people, as elaborated before.
Modern technology can indeed be a blessing to all of us. Let’s use it wisely to shorten the distance between us!