The rapid technological advancement nowadays tends to interfere with every aspect of human lives, creating a subject for an ongoing discussion with no consensus possible. One of the main life aspects affected by technology is interpersonal relationship. People no longer have to spend their time on face-to-face communication. The virtual interaction has already integrated into the social culture no matter whether it concerns communication with friends, relatives, or colleagues. Researchers indeed claim that with the rapid development of technological communication means, the overall quality of human interaction has deteriorated significantly (Drago). Moreover, even during face-to-face conversations, people now tend to become distracted by online chats and various notifications. Hence, on the one hand, it is evident that technological advances have led society to the point where the usual face-to-face communication will never be the same.
However, when it comes to considering the future of communication, the impact of technology is not so visible. Millennials and Generation Z use the benefits of online communication as part and parcel of today’s life, as they often do not have other options. Such technological adeptness does not mean full-scale refusal from real-life interactions. Indeed, the study shows that Generation Z tends to value face-to-face communication, and 72% percent of employees prefer real-life communication at the workplace (Campiere). Hence, face-to-face communication does not seem to lose its value over the years. Moreover, the worldwide quarantine taking place today makes it even more valuable for people.
Taking everything into consideration, it may be concluded that the perception of human communication has been changed forever with the introduction of technology. However, while some people consider the expansion of virtual communication to be a major flaw, others see a series of benefits in using technology for interacting with others. Hence, whereas the discussion over this subject will remain relevant for many years, it is the person who puts the boundaries in both types of communication.
Works Cited
Drago, Emily. “The Effect of Technology on Face-to-Face Communication.” The Elon Journal of Undergraduate Research in Communications, vol. 6, no. 1, 2015, pp. 13-19.
Campiere, Angela. “How Gen Z Communicates at Work.”. Web.