Blog Post 3: An understanding of how changes in technology impact the way humans communicate, and the ethical issues that surround these changes
Recent advances in technology has several impacts on the way that humans communicate with each other. Although technology has significantly improved communication, I believe that there is a rising amount of ramifications on the way individuals interact with each other having an impact on social wellbeing. Ethical issues an important in regards to technology and their affect on human communication.
Changes in technology has provided a positive impact on the way humans communicate with each other as it enabled individuals easy and convenient communication. This is evident through several types of platforms and digital devices such as social media, text messages, phone calls and video calls which can be used by phones, iPads, laptops or tablets (Drago, 2015.) The wide variety of technologies enables convenient and flexible communication increasing social wellbeing and interaction with other individuals. For example, communicating with relatives from other countries is more accessible through Skype calls, FaceTime or video calls. Therefore, changes in technology has enhanced communication for all individuals.
However, there are negative impacts that changing technology has on human communication. These changes affects the way people interact with each other as the quality and quantity of face to face communication is reduced (Drago, 2015.) Everyone is spending more time communicating with each other through social platforms or digital devices. For example, texting someone who is in another room in your house. As a consequence of reduced face to face communication individuals experience loss of social skills because individuals are not interacting with other humans often enough, isolation themselves as they are always using technology. Eg: no eye contact, misinterpreting facial expression. (Lin & Atkin, 2007.) In my opinion, changes in technological devices reduces younger generations spelling capabilities because they technology language in their everyday lives such as “omg” or “lol.”
There are ethical issues concerning changes in technology such as copy right, privacy, confidentiality and parental consent. Privacy and confidentiality is an ethical concern as social conflicts occurs if people participate in unethical practises such as copy right. For example, an individual using other people’s photos and information as their own. As a consequence it can jeopardise their reputation or employment status. Parental consent is another ethical aspect that must be addressed. It is important that any social platforms asks for parental consent to ensure that young children do not access or participate in any inappropriate conduct.
This question has impacted the way I think about technology and how it is used to communicated with each other. I believe technology should be used for communication, education and entertainment and not for inappropriate behaviour as it can ruin the way people view me and my reputation.
Drago, E. (2015). The Effect of Technology on Face-to-Face Communication. Retrieved from https://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/academics/communications/research/vol6no1/02DragoEJSpring15.pdf
Lin, C. A., & Atkin, D. J. (2007). Communication technology and social change: Theory and implications. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.















