What are the Effects of Modern Technology on Relationships?

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Casson (1910) maintains that personal communication has evolved over the years. He argues that technology and social changes have advanced from the period of letter writing to house phone usage, which became popular in the beginning of the 20th century. From the time of letter writing to the current century, technology has evolved to e-communication and cell phone usage. By analyzing the effects that modern technology has had on functionality, time efficiency, and a shear ease on communication, we develop a picture of the overall progression of person-to-person communication. It is much faster, cheaper, and easier to send someone a text message on a cell phone than to write a physical letter to that person, purchase a stamp and envelope for it, then drive to the post office and lastly wait patiently for the letter to reach its destination.

Human beings are social animals whose well-being and survival depends on each other. One of the most essential aspects of human life is the basis of a relationship. A physical bond develops into a mental bond between one or more individuals. This bond is referred to as a relationship and is based on love, faith, devotion, and a deeper understanding between individuals. As individuals view the relationship between them through their consciousness, the level of the relationship deepens. There are various methods in which these relationships are established and these continue to evolve with the development of technology. What role, then, does modern technology play in todays’ relationships?

In order to understand the role of modern technology on relationships, it is essential to note that there are many types of relationships mainly formal and informal. Formal relationships are those that req...

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Subrahmanyam, K. & Greenfield, P. (2008). Online communication and adolescent relationships. The Future of Children 18(1), 119-146. Princeton University. Retrieved from http://muse.jhu.edu.ezproxy.nu.edu/journals/future_of_children/v018/18.1.subrahmanyam.html

Sun, A. (2013). Exploring internet addiction. Addiction Professional. Academic OneFile. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.nu.edu/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DA-sort&inPS=true&prodld=AONE&userGroopName=nu_main&tabID=T002&searchId=R1&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm¤tPosition=14&contentSet=Gale%7CA336605431&&docld=GALE%7CA336605431&docType=GALE&role

Young, K. (2009). Internet addiction: Diagnosis and treatment considerations. Springer Link, Inc. http://link.springer.com.ezproxy.nu.edu/article/10.1007%2Fs10879-009-9120-x/fulltext.html

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