Technology and Social Interaction

      When ever you are given two options, it is never really black or white situation. If one looks into a subject long enough they will soon see that their are only shades of grey. I believe this applies specifically when it comes to technology and the influences that it has had on all types of social interactions. Although their are some instances in which technology has had a negative impact, i believe overall it has held a positive one. 
    Some examples of how technology has had a positive impact is that individuals are now more able to keep in touch with each other when before it caused much difficultly. Through modes of communication such as cell phones and computers, as well as social networks such as myspace and facebook, people that have never met get the opportunity to speak and even see each other face to face using methods such as skype. Another positive factor is the speed that technology provides. People are able to not only send emails and messages to each other instantly. Through social networking they are also to have real time conversations with multiple people.
    Of course there are also negative aspects as well. One of which can be that some individuals can take advantage of the fact that in some methods of technology they are allow anonymity. Posing to be people they are not or trying to take advantage of another person becomes easier with these types of technologies. This would be less likely to happen in a face to face setting. 
    I think that when people decide to look for more intimate relationships on the Internet it can always be a mixed bag. On the positive side people are able to go at the pace they decide to. Revealing information only when they are comfortable. I believe the online dating site are positive as long as the people participating in them are responsible and aware about taking safety pre cautions regarding giving out their information. Although i do believe that people can make a connection with each other online i don't believe that can sustain a relationship. Eventually in order for two individuals to really know if they are meant for each other, there going to have to meet each other in person. There are still just some things that not even a web cam can capture.
    When it comes to technology there is also always the danger of going to the extreme. People can become consumed of there online life that they begin to neglect their real physical one. This is primarily more likely to happen to people that are shy, or often teased by the people that revolve them in their everyday life. Instead of seeking help these individuals could fall more and more into their virtual life/ world instead of finding connections with people in their everyday life. Which is why i do believe that we as a society need to come together to provide everyone an avnue in which they feel like their is a place they can go to, to connect with other people and develope relationships and friendships.