By: Larry Rosen – “Yes: Connecting Virtually Isn’t Real-World Bonding”.
In his article, “Is Technology Making People Less Sociable” Larry Rosen, who is a professor of psychology at California State University, argues that technology (especially smartphones) is taking considerable time from our real-world relationships. First, he supports his thesis through some studies showing how anxiety levels increase when we are unable to check out our phones regularly, making us worry about our virtual world even when we haven’t had any alert. Second, Rosen points out the difference between “bridging” to people in the virtual world and “bonding” with people in real life.
Backing this distinction, Rosen rhetorically cites the equation that empathy we give out in the real world is six times less effective in conveying emotional support than empathy offered in the real world. Finally, Rosen urges the reader to reflect on technology use and keep strong bonds with those closest to us. Writing “we need to learn to check in less often and seek out face to face contact more often.”
Dr. Rosen can be reached at: reports@wsi.com
