Isolation in Technology

Colville, Liz. "Surfing Alone: Is Digital Technology Destroying Relationships?." PopMatters 15 June 2009. 19 June 2009 <http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/94800-surfing-alone-is-digital-technology-destroying-relationships/>.

Technology has created a society more isolated from each other than before, argues Liz Colville. She examines the evolution of people’s actions through the development and acceptance of technology. More and more people are embarking upon solo journeys into the internet, arranging their meetings through written electronic communication as opposed to calling them or making face-to-face plans. The etiquette of communication differs online than in person. It is okay for someone to ignore an attempt to a conversation online, whereas in person, it would be considered rude for someone to walk away from another. She argues that people need to make the effort to arrange more in person meetings. She quotes Keith Ferrazzi in the beginning as ordering the audience of his speech to “Have one long, slow dinner this week.”

Colville pulls from Robert D. Putnam’s “Bowling Alone,” a book written when the internet was still new. She hails it as an ominous warning of what has now occurred. People meet online and get along great but when they meet in person, the relationship ends due to the awkwardness. She turns her examination to the positives that the internet and other technology offer. There are more opportunities for people to connect with others from different countries and societies due to the far-reaching influence of certain websites. She aims to persuade readers to strike a balance between online facilities and maintaining personal, physical relationships.