Sherry Turkle in the article “Stop Googling, Let’s Talk” investigates the impact of cell phones on the social life and explains the ways to reduce its negative effects and develop communication skills. She dwells upon the ways cell phones change the lives of modern people, as even having cell phone around in a room affects the conversation. Turkle claims that technology not only affects social connectivity, but also decreases the ability to emphasize and generally recognize facial emotions. The author suggests that teenagers not only are unable to start or hold a flowing conversation, but also are not capable of being lonely, as communication with the other people gives the ground for self-refection. Turkle argues that the society needs to reconsider its values and leave the place for interpersonal communication, empathy and solitude.
Helen Lee Lin in the article “How Your Cell Phone Hurts Your Relationships” argues that while cell phones have become an essential part of people’s daily life, their use is capable of drastically affecting the relationships. The author analyzes the results of recent studies that have proven that even though the presence of cell phone within the sight of interlocutors hinders meaningful communication. She claims that despite the common belief social networks and constant access to them through cell phone prevent people from making friends and developing close connections, empathy and trust. Nevertheless, according to the author, the presence of cell phone does not affect casual conversation, as it generally does not require a high level of trust. Lin argues that the attitudes are to be changed, and the room for a real interpersonal connection has to be created in person’s life.
Works cited
Lin, Helen Lee. “How Your Cell Phone Hurts Your Relationships,” Scientific American, September 2012. Web.
Turkle, Sherry. “Stop Googling. Let’s Talk.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 26 Sept. 2015. Web.
