Social Connections

Since the invention of the phone, technology has continued to change Americans' lives. I do believe technology has allowed Americans to be more isolated. Emails, Facebook, text messages, and phone calls have replaced many face-to-face interactions. However, technology does allow people to make connections with others around the world. This can help expose various cultures or ways of thinking, but I think it can also isolate a person from other people in their community.
People are able to make hundreds of connections with people through the internet every day, however, these connections may not be significant or develop into forming a relationship with another. Many people with personal relationships with friends and family members will not feel very isolated. The increasing use of technology has expanded the number of friends people have, but has not dramatically increased the number of personal relationships people have with others. Many times, what people say on the internet and even on the phone is misinterpreted since people cannot see the person's nonverbal actions, such as their facial expression. I think this prohibits strong personal relationships from growing and could even increase the degree of isolation people feel.