Haven’t we become very dependent on technology? Don’t we feel lost without our mobile or our internet connection or our TV shows or our efficient smart gadgets? Technology is the new oxygen that we require to survive.

Technology plays a very important role in our daily lives. It has both positive and negative impacts as it pertains to the way we communicate. We never really acknowledge the way technology has evolved over the years and how much it has both helped and harmed us. Just think about how technology has made it possible to communicate with people all over the world through email, instant messaging, Skype, social media, etc.

In many ways technology has enabled us to strengthen relationships by keeping in contact with old friends, colleagues, and co-workers. What would we do if we could not find old friends from high school through Facebook or WhatsApp? But at the same time, it has made us more distant to the people around us. We are busier with our personal gadgets than our personal relationships.

Technology has a very positive impact on education, though. Technology has provided opportunities for students all over the world to receive an education online, while still maintaining work schedules and family. Students are now able to take webinar courses and attain their degree online just as any student on campus. It offers better understanding and clarity of concepts too.

Let’s use our imagination a bit. If the internet, mobile devices, and games were taken away from us, how would we feel? I know many of us would feel like a part of our life is missing due to technology now being a necessity in our everyday life. However, the big question is, does technology take away interpersonal communication and interactions with our relatives, co-workers, peers, and colleagues. How many of you have rather talked to someone through text messaging, email, or social media to avoid a face to face communication?

We may not realize it, but in my opinion, being dependent upon technology has only conditioned us to become less social, interactive, and outgoing. And being shut in our own comfort zone. Technology is a great help in our daily life but it is upon us to use it wisely and not become over dependent on it. We need to look up from our gadgets and admire life around us.