Development of Technology Changes Relationships
Before you read: Some questions to help you to think about the topic.
How do you feel about always being able to contact anyone at anytime and anyone being able to contact you?
Do you agree that technology has made everything easier?
In 2000 people spent about 26 hours with their families on average each month, by the late 2000’s that number had dropped to 18. It seems that the major culprit for this trend is technology. People can do everything on the net or on their smart phones anywhere. It seems that social networking sites like Facebook are capitalizing our time. In fact some people are so addicted that they feel they need to be connected around the clock. However, some young people are opting out of this alarming trend such as Stephen Cho a college student from upstate New York who looks forwards to summer camps where there is no technology, where no-one can connect with him and instead he says he’s rediscovered reading books and developing face to face relationships while he’s in the camp.
For many though, they don’t know if they handle this, because their work involves being connected. Working away from the office is now more a reality than just being something in the future. Our bosses can get in touch with us anywhere and ask us to work on and check our emails.
It seems a paradox that we are more connected than at anytime in history, but maybe less connected to those who matter most to us.
Guessing meaning from context
Try to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest meaning from the choices in the right. The answers are below the table.
|
culprit |
A |
1 |
Making the most good out of a situation. Gain from something. |
|
capitalizing |
B |
2 |
To choose not to do or be part of something |
|
connected around the clock |
C |
3 |
A person or something responsible for a crime or something bad |
|
opting out |
D |
4 |
Able to control something |
|
alarming trend |
E |
5 |
Something that is happening that makes us worry |
|
handle |
F |
6 |
Reach or make contact or communication with someone |
|
get in touch |
G |
7 |
Opposite, contradicts |
|
paradox |
H |
8 |
Able to have communication with people 24 hours a day |
A=3, B=1, C=8, D=2, E=5, F=4, G=6, H=7
Some example sentences using the new words to help you to better understand their meaning.
The main culprit for our financial situation is people borrowing too much money.
“Carpe Diem” or “seize the day”, is another way of saying “lets capitalize on today.”
I find that owning a smart phone means that I’m connected to my e-mail messages around the clock.
I was given a chance to apply for the new job position, but I opted out because it was too far away.
One of the alarming trends these days is the increasing cost of food.
My boss has given me too much work, I think I can’t handle the heavy expectation.
Because of Facebook I have been able to get in touch with one of my friends from my university I had lost contact with.
It seems a paradox that Apple and Samsung are suing each other, because they need each other.
Some discussion questions using the new words to help you better understand their meaning and correct use. Try to use the words in your answer.
Would you agree with the reading that the main culprit of people losing contact with families is technology? Why or why not?
Do you feel you have to be in contact with people around the clock? What would you say to someone who is this way?
How could someone who is addicted to technology opt out (of having to use it all the time)?
Do you think that our need to stay in contact with people so much is an alarming trend?
What things does your generation have to handle that your parents or grandparents didn’t have to?
Does it ever bother you that people can get in touch with you always? Tell me about it.
Technology is supposed to make our lives easier? Would you think this is a paradox?
How could you capitalize on using your time better?
ECK Education
