How the Internet Enables Intimacy

Stefana Broadbent exclaims that the internet has created a bridge between humans and increasing the amount of intimacy an individual shares between his or her’s personal sphere of contacts. The internet as a tool has created a vast web of communication between people near and far. However, we aren’t as connected to someone who is not already in our personal sphere of family and friends. We are more connected now to the people who mean most to us. People disengage from public to engage in communication with their loved ones.

I cannot argue that internet has connected people. But should this freedom be limited? I think so. How often are we distracted by the devices we use? quite a bit. I find it a problem both at work and at school. Even in social outings and gatherings. Why be distracted? There is a time and place for everything, i can’t make the choice for you whether or not you use your device to disengage; i just find it rude. I have often get after coworkers for hiding in the back to use their phone during work to text, make private phone calls, or play games. It would be easier for them to ask permission first and get set aside for them to do their business, just not on company time. 

The costs of intimacy often create it’s own barriers. Most often do I try to hang out with friends and family, but it’s not exciting as things used to be. People isolate themselves into their own world of Candy Crush or texting people they seem to be more engaged with. I have tried to make it a point of making my phone silent throughout the day and getting to contacting people back when I find most convenient. However, I sometimes find myself distracted during class and send messages here and there so I’m a hypocrite. It’s a privilege and convenience that we all don’t consider to put the people who made these devices into the picture. Nor do we care or are aware of the situations that brought our device to us.

In the article, Deadly Behind Cellphones and Consumer Goods, it’s brought to our attention that many people suffer to make a living. They are engaged in long shifts working and sleeping to make money to support themselves or people they care about. The harsh conditions of working long hours often drive some to suicide and others to isolation. In addition, most don’t speak the same language and it’s frowned upon so people are even more disconnected from forming and forging relationships with their comrades of work. 

It may be my realization that nothing is going to put an end to this because people enjoy their devices too much. People tend to brush the harsh reality of such events and conditions under the rug. It’s something that doesn’t seem to cross many people’s minds because that’s the mystery of the product. We don’t want to accept blood and suffering when buying products.