Is technology a perfect idea gone wrong? This has been a long contested issue and recently, psychologists and other experts are starting to dwell deeper into a potentially more profound phenomenon whereby technology is reshaping the fundamental nature of kid’s friendship. Is this really true?

Personally, I reckon that the issue is but mountain made out of a molehill. Statistics from the Pew Research Centre indicate that only a startling 33% talk to their friends face-to-face on a daily basis. Indeed, I would have to concur with these facts that technology is taking a toll on more intimate and personal interaction. However, enhanced communication introduced by texting through cellphones or even internet chatting greatly increases the rate of convenience for social interaction. In this fast paced world we exist in today, surely we can come to a consensus that technology has gone a long way to sustain our standard of living. Without basic communication tools like instant messaging or texting, it would be a chore to interact face-to-face on a daily basis. We cannot dismiss reality whereby some teenagers will succumb to the temptation of technology, but truly the advantages outweigh the detriments of minimum damage.

Another point of controversy is that essential social skills such as expressing emotions wilt away without face-to-face interaction. Lori Evans, a psychologist at the New York University Child Study Centre, argued that “Facebook is not a conversation”. This is a stern point indeed but does not condone allowance much to my dismay. To put a critical social networking tool down like this is being too biased and overlooks the wide array of advantages technology has blessed us with.

While some are trapped in their internet craze, there are still others who use technology as a mere facilitator for an active social life. It is thus evident that technology does not manipulate you entirely, but in contrary, gives you the complete freedom to manipulate it to your advantage.

It all boils down to human nature. Can we stand up to technology? Or will we simply pass off an excuse and place the entire blame on the innocent hero of the century?