Socialization essays example

Summary of the Article

The article by Sherry Turkle explores the phenomenon that has been brought about by the evolution of technology. This evolution has seen the manufacturing of hand-held devices make computer devices portable against earlier wisdom where they were stationary. With these new devices, communication is improved with increased email capabilities, text messaging and internet access. Yet for the author, the marvel is not the enhanced communication that the technology brings about. For the author, the spectacle is the newfound intimacy with the technological devices. This intimacy has brought forth a new state of self. According to the author, the new state revolves around whether one is plugged on or unplugged from these technological devices.
The effect of these new devices cuts across the board to affect different aspects of our social life. The family relationship has been affected relative to the situation before the evolution of technology. The author admits that unlike the olden days, she can perform he parental responsibilities in front of her colleagues at work by calling her daughter. The author also talks of the tethered teen and the effect that the technological evolution has on their social development. While these are just but examples to articulate her issues, the main argument in the article is the effect that technology has on our lives, whether we are conscious of it or not.

Discussion

I find her section of connections that matter to be very intriguing because it resonates with some of the debates on the effects of technology. The author argues that physical separation does not necessarily translate to lack of connectedness. This is a new form of sociality where people no longer need to be in close proximity to socialize. Of course there are arguments that that this form of socialization removes the human touch from the concept of socialization. However, frantic efforts to add emotions to communication using computer devices have been seen through the design of new phones that display a wide range of icons to mimic different emotions. The author argues that traditional social places are not necessarily analogous. However, tethered selves who flock them do not necessarily talk to one another.
I agree with sherry Turkle’s arguments on the effect that technology has had on how we communicate and by extension our lives. The author argues that the technological devices have become our new form of validation. This argument reflects the state of affairs in our contemporary society where everyone wants to get the best device be it a phone or a computer. Children stratify themselves nowadays by their presence on social media with those not present and abreast often castigated. Social intelligence in the present day is partly evaluated by how versed one is with social media applications.
Since the author wrote this article, the situation has changed dramatically. Human relations have improved but not in the way that the author would expect. People have become increasingly tethered to their technological devices. There are more social network platforms where people do most of the communication. Traditional means of communication that involved physical proximity have been almost entirely replace by the phone.
The internet plays a very integral role in the socialization process and identity formation. As noted earlier, there are very many social networking cites where hordes of people ‘ meet’. This is the new form of communication where physical proximity is not a requirement. Individuals create profiles in these social networking sites that communicate their persona to those with whom they are communicating.
These profiles embody the identity if this person. The internet is important in identity formation. The kind of people one socializes with have an influence on ones identity. Additionally, communicating via the internet gives someone a false sense of confidence because the dynamics involved in when communicating with a physically present person are inexistent. This could actually retard ones personal development and the ability to form meaningful relationships outside of the internet.

Conclusion

The article is not only informs but also enlightens one on the intricacies of human relationships and the effect technology has had on them. The presentation of the article informs across the board in terms of age in that the arguments are application to both young and old generations. The influence of the internet on identity formation is undue and important. Parents are best beware what their children do online as it affects personal development in significant ways. Technology advancement has both positive and negative effects. As informed people, it is incumbent in us to maximize on the benefits if technology while protecting ourselves from the subtle and unapparent negative effects.