Does Technology Make us Feel Alone?

According to The New York Times, technology has made people more “connected” than ever. The internet has made it possible to watch movies, talk to people, pay bills, shop, and even buy groceries all from the comfort of our home. 

It’s a great time to be alive; however, others think technology has disconnected us.

Whether technology is the main reason or not, there’s no denying it has contributed to humans feeling lonelier than ever. A 2018 survey from The Economist and the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that 22% of US adults say they often feel lonely and left out.

Everything we once had to venture out of our homes to do, we can now do online from our home. For example, humans no longer have to go out to shop for things; it can all be done from sites such as Amazon. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce,  consumers spent $513.61 billion online in 2018.

Even groceries can be ordered online and delivered to your house. Walmart is one of the stores that offers grocery delivery services. Delivery is usually between $5.99 and $11.99. Orders under $35 have a higher delivery cost.

“I think the world is becoming too reliant on technology. In my opinion it’s disconnecting the world,” said Chloe Gabriel, a junior.

Social media plays a major role in the loneliness epidemic. Social media is addicting both physically and psychologically. According to a recent study by Harvard University, social media lights up the same part of the brain that is ignited while taking an addictive substance. When an individual gets a social media notification, they get a rush of dopamine, causing him or her pleasure that would usually be obtained by interacting with someone in person.

Technology is progressively making people lonely. However, this does not mean we will stop using it. At the end of the day, it’s your decision if you want to see the world through a screen or not.