English Analysis Essay - Isolation: Online and In-Person Relationships
Isolation:
Online and In-Person Relationships
Digital technology is a dynamic force
and the effects of its prevalence are immense. Globalization is one such effect
it makes life faster, convenient, and removes the obstacles of geographical
location. Likewise, the nature of relationships keeps shifting because of the
digital migration as opposed to physical. Internet socialization develops in a
different construct than the in-person interactions. Sometimes people discredit
the validity of online relationship on the premise that the virtual element
devalues the connection. However, the value of the online social interaction is
no less than that of in-person transaction because if offers psychosocial
benefits such as connection with like-minded people and the elimination of
isolation and loneliness.
Evidently, the internet provides a
broader spectrum for interaction there is something for everybody. Before the
emergence of social media, many people felt a lack of belonging. Again, without
any insight is it is easy to overlook the innate needs of others. In “Digital
Human: Isolation” Aleks
Krotoski refers to this as “invisibility.” Rita, a guest on Aleks’s programme
illustrates the cause of her “invisibility.” Rita became or felt invisible when
she lost her husband. In essence, her experience with death left Rita as a
widow, a new identity. Rita creates her blog, www.veryoldgrandmother.com. ,
thus she creates an identity, on how to stay young by citing her experiences.
Years back, Rita and many like her, would fade into a lonely existence of
isolation. According to John Casey (on the same show), “the loneliness
epidemic” is thrice that of obesity in the U.S. Therefore, the observation
proves that loneliness is a fatal condition that social interactions reduce or
eliminate. In addition, Rita has a large
following, which indicates that her blog meets a need in the society. Moreover,
Rita says, “I get satisfaction” from the blog through interacting with her fans.
In essence, Rita’s online relationships fill in the vacuum left by her
husband’s death. Social online relationships serve an importance function
similar to traditional transaction. Social online networks improve the
wellbeing of individuals in diverse groups.
In addition, some careers and
personalities limit the nurturing of lasting or meaningful relationship; thus,
online interactions provide an alternative. In a two part study, researchers measured
connectedness as well as anxiety and depression over a 4 week period in a sample
composed of university students. The findings revealed that, “a lack of
Facebook connectedness may share similar results in a lack of connectedness in
face to face social word” (Grieve et al. 606).
Therefore, internet relationships are not entirely responsible for the element
for the supposed isolation. Meanwhile, the above study shows that some of the
respondents also had poor face-to-face interaction, and they reflected lower
levels of anxiety when interacting on Facebook (608-9). Subsequently, these results
show that many of those who did not excel in traditional relationships did well
on Facebook (Grieve et al.
607-9). In essence, the virtual element
of social relationship enhances confidence. Thus, there is a correlation
between online social interactions and positive psychological results. These
include lower depression and anxiety with active participation on online social
networks.
On the other hand, the internet
social networking has a morbid side. In that, sexual perpetrators, fraudsters
and other manner of criminals penetrate some of these networks. Again, the
activities of the same have adverse effects on the society. However, even in non-digital
communities, social interaction societies suffer the same injustices. Social
injustice is part of our integral existence, the ills in the society are wrong
but they are widespread and difficult to supplant. Again, most online social
network sites have security measures, rules, and regulations. Therefore, the
user needs to use prudence and take care when submitting personal information.
In addition, the virtual aspect goes beyond borders and gives people a chance
for relationships not bound by geographical distances that were impossible a
few years ago. Again, online social relationships cater for those people who
are poor at traditional social interaction. Thus, a lack of online social
participation is a preference that locks an individual out of endless
relationships possibilities.
Generally, social tradition
networking and online relationship meet different needs. In addition, the two
systems are important and provide variety. However, the idea that online
relationships have less value is a misguided notion. Online social
relationships are beneficial to diverse groups of individuals that have needs that
are not always available offline. Besides, the virtual and less demanding
physical presence results in the reduction of anxiety. Online social
relationships play a role in improving individual wellbeing. Therefore, they
are as important as traditional social networks.
Works Cited
Grieve,
Rachel., Indian, Michaelle., Witteveen, Kate., Tolan, Anne.G. & Marrington,
Jessica. “Face to face or Facebook: Can social connectedness be derived
online?” Computers in Human Behavior, 29,
2013, pp. 604-609
Krotoski, Aleks. “Isolation.” The Digital
Humans, BBC Radio 4. Mon 5 Oct. 2015
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