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Impact of Digital Technology on Peoples’ Lives
In the wake of the digital revolution, many people are not sure whether it has been detrimental to people or beneficial. People still ask; have social media platforms enhance personal relationships or they have destroyed the human touch? Do we still have privacy in the digital world? And how has digital connectedness impacted businesses? Some people believe that the digital media has interfered with the “normal” way of life by introducing superficial communications. However, others still hold that the world is now a better place because of the power of online networks.
Online networks complement our real-life connection by offering a broader scope of people spread across the world. Noa Gafni Slaney, a business lady, compares real-life relations and online networks and concludes that “The key difference is that I’m now able to tap into a global community, not just a local one.” She believes that social media has given people a platform to reach a wider audience and let their voices be heard. She gives the example of Twitter that does not promise to offer friendship, but a stage to connect and share critical issues that affect humanity. Therefore, the issue of fake relationship should not be a basis to dismiss the essence of online networks. On the contrary, others assert that social media has reduced the value of genuine interaction by creating a false urgency of public gratification through sharing.

Emerson Csorba, an education policy adviser, explains that “Social media “likes” and new followers provide us with public approval, but this need for constant sharing of ourselves — and the immediate gratification that comes with it — diminishes the meaning and significance in the things we share.” In a such, people have become trapped in the digital world where they are forced to keep up with the fake postings meant to display their life progress. In some cases, individuals have become depressed and frustrated because they cannot keep up with the highly “decorated” life portrayed by their friends on social media. It is even worse when people meet face to face but prefer to spend time chatting with others on their gadgets, instead of talking with those close to them physically.
Therefore, digital connectedness can have both positive and negative impact on peoples’ lives. Users of digital technology should have the wisdom to make good use of online networks. It should never replace real-life interactions but should be used for the betterment of the individual and the society in general.

Works Cited
“Is Digital Connectedness Good or Bad for People?” New York Times n. pag. Room for Debate. 28 November 2016.