Do You Think Technology Has Replaced Personal Contact?

My husband & I were just talking about this today. Yesterday was my b-day & some of my closest friends/family emailed me or FB'd me Happy B-day wishes which were all greatly appreciated, but the best came from a live call from my little brother in Florida. I miss not hearing from people.....good ole' live people!

I miss letters, so I appreciate the letters I write to and receive from my grandmother. She doesn't do email at all. She can't hear well. So letters are the way to go. I love being able to see HER handwriting and pull out old letters from time to time.

I think that technology is fun and useful, but doesn't replace real life.

Yes, I am bothered by this too. I hardly ever get a phone call now. It's all Facebook, all the time. My sister lives quite a distance from me. I haven't had a phone conversation with her in two years. We either IM each other on Facebook, or comment on each other's posts. In a way, we communicate more frequently than we did before we joined Facebook, but still, I'd like to hear her voice once in awhile. I never get a birthday card from anyone in the mail now, just wall postings...It's a sad state of affairs.

Not at all, in fact I think it's the opposite!
I am much more connected now than I was as a young mom (18 years ago with my first.) I am now 43.
Even though we don't all physically get together I have lots of amazing conversations with friends and extended family, via facebook, especially.
I still get together in person with those CLOSEST to me for sure, but technology gives me a whole other, bigger support group/net of friendship in the wider world.
In fact, it reminds me a little of the old days, before phones and when people lived miles apart. You were forced to write to one another, and send snapshots. I feel a little bit like that's how things are now, we must write to each other to stay connected, but it's even better because we can so easily share photos and videos with those we love and care about, and there's nothing impersonal about that!

I agree. Some of the new technology irks me. I think it is way easier to talk on the phone than to text. Why would anyone want to text then? All of this texting stuff will lead to many people having carpal tunnel syndrome (hmmm....that would be a good field to get into when deciding to become a doctor)! One of the things that troubles me with all this new technology is that if you as a parent aren't up on it, you don't know what is going on in your children's lives. However, on the other hand, I have been able to connect with people that I normally would not connect with if it wasn't for Facebook. So, go figure. Have you seen the new technology? It's a computer that is the of a pen. It lights up a computer screen and a keyboard, so in the future, we will be able to carry our computers in our makeup cases and put them up just about anywhere especially if you want to do work.

I'm with you. I hate texting and refuse to do it. I facebook so that I can post pictures of the kids. If I want to talk with someone I give them a jingle or we make arrangements to go have coffee.

me and my mom were also talking about this today,i do think u dont have to be so personal this way,which is sad we need each other....... each others voices,in person for support etc.

Greetings from a more ancient dinosaur. I remember when houses had only one phone, in a central hallway, and we had to pick up our letters at the Post Office. And long distance phone calls were cheaper at night.

But I'm laughing. This question reminds me of a newspaper cartoon of a wedding where bride, groom, minister, and members of the congregation are texting one another throughout the ceremony even though they're all in the same room!

Technology can get in the way of person-to-person contact only if we let it. We're not taken hostage by our computers. They don't own us (do they??). We are in charge of them.

I like computers. I generally like e-mailing better than telephoning (because I can contact a person at midnight without being disturbing). I like FB because I can wave at people whom I unhappily never see any more. I also like anonymity sometimes (e.g., Mamapedia). If you knew me, you probably wouldn't care what I think about this question! I also can Skype with my family members who live across country, and when my son is sent away (with the Army) his family actually get to see him. That's wonderful.

But it's definitely not a replacement for real people. I love being right with my family. I like to meet with friends. I love talking to neighbors. I like to get together with my relatives. Why not do it? I can FB my neighbor across the street at 10 p.m., but I actually TALK with her during the day.

I don't text. People who will communicate only by text will accommodate me or not communicate! Conversely, I will phone people who prefer being phoned. I will even write snail-mail letters. Communication methods have expanded, not contracted; it's too important a thing to say, "My way or not at all."

Yes!!!!!!!!! In fact we had a bbq yesterday and many of the guests and the kids spent more time on their phones texting and playing games, checking facebook updates and what not, then interacting with the actual people who were right there. I have one good girlfriend who does it every time we get together and it is so distracting.

I have never enjoyed talking on the phone. I'm 36, and for me, texting is a quick way to make plans to meet, face-to-face. I'm a cup-a-joe type person myself and anything that speeds up getting to meet, fantastic.

I, too, have been limiting my time on FB and mamapedia because I'm realizing how impersonal it is. I think there is more miscommunication in sound bites and "text" speak. I love in-depth news, conversations, meaningful experience. But, I can use tech mediums to gain those deeper interactions.

Absolutley, positively, without a doubt!

I'm with you!

I totally agree with you. This is one of the reasons I don't do FB. Nothing is personal.

Texting - we turned ours off. We just recently turned it back on. Strange thing is -- now I feel a little bit more connected to some people who are totally into texting. When we didn't text - I might talk to the person on the phone once a week. Now that we do text - I will talk to the person 2-3 times a week. So we are "MORE" connected in a way, yet it's less actual conversation. Short sentences poorly written "What R U doing 2day?" I'd much rather talk on the phone.

Facebook -- i feel less connected to some people b/c they post pictures of their kiddo on FB and since I am not on FB, I have to emailthem and ask "So how is your little Joey doing? Is he walking yet?" So in that instance, I am getting a more personal response from friends when they email me back, but sometimes I feel like I'm causing them to do more work - upload their pics to FB and then upload their pics to an email to me. Make sense?

So I don't like the FB and texting, same as you, but sometimes I feel that since it's the "norm" now adays, I am a bit disconnected from the rest of the crowd.

This is the very reason I vowed to limit fb over the summer and get together more with friends. I ended up not even gettin on fb over the summer and soooo many playdates,girls nights out,fun times with my kiddos, swim days at my house with friends and long chats on the phone with friends happened.

I too think that texting,email and fb has caused socializing to occur far too often technologically instead of the old fashioned way..by letter or phone or in person. Facebook serves a purpose personally for me now..to keep in contact with loved ones far away. I think fb causes a false sense of friendship and socializing. I think it is sad when people get to the point that their closest circle of "friends" are ones they chat with on the computer.

I enjoyed the summer not being on the computer and enjoying my real life physical friendships.

Summer is now over because kids are in school and I still have not gotten on fb. I think my little summer experiment proved a point for me personally...and I am even considering shutting down my account.

I've just replied to an invitation on Facebook to get together at Christmas with an old friend who now lives in Belgium, and two other elementary school friends. I haven't seen them for 20+ years. I think that's a pretty great personal connection.

I communicate better in writing, and don't like to use the phone. I also find it difficult to get together in person with my friends who have no children. Facebook keeps us connected. I might be a lot lonelier without it.

For the most part, indeed I think technology has definitely made some or most people avoid personal contact. I love the new technology, but I think socially we benefit more from a face to face friendship. :-)
This question reminds me of that commercial where this young girl helps her parents get on facebook to expand their social horizon. She is sitting at the table with her computer saying she has over six hundred contacts while her parents only have 15. Then she says how sad it was, and brags on how she's the one living the life, and not her parents. Then the commercial shows the parents out and about with their little clique of friends having blast! Ha ha ha....
It seems that so many people are in a hurry, and their life is so busy that they can't squeeze in time for friends to meet up, and or have playdates. I've experienced this a lot. This world has gotten in a big hurry, and sometimes we forget to slow down and smell the brew. lol
It's so hard to imagine how we made it without all this new technology of cell phones, internet, etc. back 20 years ago.
I as well prefer the physical visit of a friend/family member and have iced tea, or coffee and a good ramble. :-)

I do get what you're saying. But I am in contact via FB and text with people I might never have seen or talked to again if it weren't for those things. I regularly text some old friends just to say "hello" but I really don't have time to chat with them every week on the phone. I can see the positives and negatives I guess.

Yes, I do. I think it's the coward's way out of dealing with someone face to face, especially in an awkward situation. My biggest pet peeve is being flaked on via text or FB message. Grow some balls & call me like a grown up.

It's also made people more socially stunted. People don't even know how to have a live conversation anymore.

In person whenever possible, although I do appreciate the online stuff for keeping up with people I care deeply about but live far away from. It is a convenient and free way for me to share pictures and videos of my kids with friends and family.

However, I desperately miss a few friends I can't see because of distance and scheduling and really wish I lived closer to my younger sister.

I'm thankful that I don't have text on my phone, but my ideal distance communication has always been postal mail. I'm trying to get back into my letter-writing habit, which got pushed aside with little kids entering the picture. :)

I prefer face-to-face contact, partly so I can give nice big hugs.

However, sometimes I just don't feel comfortable saying something out loud and Facebook comes along to make me able to say it without getting embarrassed or nervous. Also, it helps me to stay in touch with people who aren't as easy to contact and keeps me up to date on whatever is going on in my oldest sister's life. Facebook is a life saver since I moved away. Apparently, my dad has failed to realize that the best way to get a hold of me here is via Facebook (called twice at a really bad time). Besides, I hate phones.

The opposite for me.

I don't have a lot of time. Being able to FB, Chat, Text, means I can stay in touch with people I'd be pulling a Virginia Woolfe on...

"I have lost some friends by death, others through sheer inability of crossing the street."

... And have met others I never would otherwise.

So many of my friendships that would have died through attrition have been saved, I love technology.

Of course it has and its scary to see how its affecting everyone's manners!

I defiantly think it's a love/hate relationship! I used to be so annoyed when a friend would text more often that call. I have come around quite a bit. I still feel the need to speak fairly often, but love to text also. There are a lot of times when it's so much easier/faster to text, and I actually prefer it.
As for Facebook, I LOVE it! I have reconnected w/so many friends w/whom I had lost contact. They live all around the country, and we prob. never would have reconnected w/o facebook. I also like the funny things people post and seeing quick updates/status quotes is nice. You can see whats going on at a glance more often than calling someone everyday. I still don't think it should replace face to face contact if possible, but when friends live in different states or countries even, I think it's fantastic! So I guess over all, like everything else, it's finding the balance! :)

I think the problem is some people were socially awkward to begin with. Instead of having no social interaction they have their online illusion. For someone who is already social this is just an extra for when there is nothing on TV.

I do think it has given some a false sense of my life is important. I open my facebook to find suck enthralling details of my husbands great nephew such as he asked mom to kiss his butt. Well yeah, my life is now complete knowing that. :(

Yes I believe technology has replaced face to face contact. How many times do you see on the tv to go online for something or now, even doctor's offices you can schedule appointments now online instead of speaking with someone. In some ways it isn't great, but in other ways if you need proof that something was said and it was done in an email or whatever, that is obviously a blessing.

Technolog has come so far. Is it good......yes and no. Just depends on how you look at it. I absolutely despise facebook but that is because it almost ruined my marriage. Now when I get on facebook I post 1-2 photos of the kids and that's about it. We have 3 kids under 4 so it's hard to get online without being bothered!!!!!

I'm a little mixed on how things work anymore. I text a lot but sometimes I feel that talking is better and easier. In regards to facebook, I'd like to throw it out the window sometimes. But at the same time, I like Facebook too b/c I can see updated photos of friends who live out of state and see their family. I think I'm more opposed to Facebook now just because it almost ruined my marriage.

My opinion is to basically do whatever. As long as you follow in the Lord's footsteps, regardless if you are a Facebook junkie or a "dinosaur" (LOL), it doesn't really matter how you contact people.

Technology... also INCREASES contact... with others/family/friends, internationally and when they do not live in your same city or neighborhood.

A telephone, is 'technology' too.

And there is Skype... which allows a person from 2 different locations, to then have 'face to face' contact. When in person, is simply not possible.

Not for me. I used toI never really care too much for people to begin with and used to be more of a "wana be loner." I never really liked all the snooping, "be littling," know it alls, or name calling that a lot of people I've meant in person do. Now, I feel a littlle different. The internet has let me know that there really are more people like me. It also has helped me open up more to people in person, since I'm used to doing it online. I find it easier to talk and find support. The internet is a social and resource library all by itself. You just need to figure out the right places/websitea to go to. I will admit to never texting on a cell phone and to still having the original tracfone, because I only use it if I have to. Everyone complains that my cell phone is always off, but they can still call me on the land line. If your a 40 yo dinosaur, then what must I be? I'm beyond dinosaur.

I don't consider it bothersome at all. We are not these physical bodies we reside in. We are spirits. We are what we think and feel and say. For now we are also what we do with these bodies. But the real us is about making connections that far surpasses what we can see and touch.

I guess I'm ambivalent. I hate talking on the phone, unless it's to my sister, lol. So I usually prefer to text, because it can get the point across quickly, without getting me stuck in a 20 minute convo where my kids are pulling on me, acting up, yelling, etc. I use text for getting together though, and making plans, not actually conversing. BUT, I feel like technology has enabled people to keep in touch. The big downside I've noticed for me, is I have very few good friends, but tons of friends. Know what I mean? So I feel like I spend all my time keeping in contact/touch with many, but not really going deep with anyone. It's sad, and I've been thinking about it a lot lately, it's really stressing me out, because our family calendar is full, but it's just one activity, picnic, get-together, birthday party, etc. after the next. Most of these events are not with good friends, but just with people I keep in touch with. :(