Digital Dilemma: Does Modern Technology Lead to Greater Loneliness?
Technology is incredible and can bring immense benefits when utilised positively, significantly enhancing our lives. However, it's important to acknowledge that sometimes technology can have unforeseen negative impacts. Loneliness is one of these impacts.
In 2017 the UK created a Ministerial portfolio to “ensure loneliness reduction remains an enduring parliamentary priority.”
Loneliness can be all consuming, you can feel lonely in a crowd, following a personal loss, or during disagreements with loved ones. However, for some, this is not a fleeting feeling but a constant state, leading to deep social isolation and a sense of worthlessness. This issue can affect anyone, at any life stage, with certain groups being more susceptible, such as the elderly living alone, new mothers, university students, disabled individuals, caregivers, remote workers, and surprisingly, men in their 30s.
The question on my mind, is technology contributing or helping? the UK Government think it’s both a contributor and part of the solution.
Technology and Loneliness
The role of technology in loneliness is paradoxical. While it offers platforms for connection, such as video calling, social media and email, these interactions are often criticised for lacking the depth of face-to-face encounters, potentially exacerbating feelings of isolation.
Technology can play a significant role in combating loneliness, leveraging its ability to connect people, provide support, and enhance accessibility to services and communities.
As we know the digital divide leaves many unable to access online services, including social interactions, leading to digital exclusion - back to the paradox. Technology, despite making interaction more accessible, can also create barriers, as we often find ourselves absorbed in our screens and earbuds, disconnected from our physical surroundings.
Our new hybrid or remote working styles have also cut off traditional avenues of human interaction, diminishing in-person workplace interactions, which were once central to our human connections but happened in offices.
So what can we do about it?
This is our collective responsibility
When raising awareness about loneliness, I often encounter dismissal, many people perceiving this is just an issue for the elderly. It's time for each of us to take a proactive stance in addressing the issue of loneliness that silently affects so many around us. I encourage you to take ownership of this challenge and make a conscious effort to reach out to those you care about. A simple call, a heartfelt text, or a surprise visit can make a world of difference in someone's life. Let's not underestimate the power of reconnecting and the warmth of a friendly check-in. It’s about making that extra effort to ensure no one in our circle feels alone or forgotten.
And for those of us who are creating technology products and services, or responsible for automating job functions or moving face to face services online - integrating loneliness into your discussions and creating interaction experiences in our designs are as crucial as the efficiencies and revenues this technology will generate.
Source: Amazon robots http://www.machinedesign.com/motion-control/changing-future-warehouses-amazon-robots
