The Definition of Relationships Now

     I was in the University library the other day and when I got up to leave I looked out one of the big windows that overlooked a part of campus. As I looked out across the sea of people coming out of class I noticed something, something peculiar and somewhat saddening. Everyone looked like sheep as they were looking down at their phones, never looking up. I stood there for a second and just stared in hopes that at least one person would look up and have a conversation with the person beside them. But I saw nothing, shook my head, and headed off to my class. At this point I came to a conclusion that the technology world has made everyone it's slave and our definition of socialization has been altered.
     Socialization in relationships has definitely been altered. Like I said, as I was looking into the flock of sheep I was hoping to find at least one person to start a conversation with the person beside them. But there was nothing. I believe people have become somewhat lazy and now find new friends and intimate relationships through apps and websites. I say lazy because they are not putting that phone in their pocket and easily starting a conversation with someone right beside them. It's not that hard of a thing to do! Although I make it seem like an awful thing, technology is also a blessing. This new age is a gigantic catch 22. Long distance relationships now can see each other through Skype or Facetime. So this is a great advantage for relationships and can keep a long distance relationship together. However, at the same time this new means of communication can be awful. I'm sure a lot of people would rather scroll through their Facebook news feed then actually asking someone how they are doing in person. Also, technology can consume someone.
     There are a lot of people that can actually become addicted to technology and can destroy a relationship. I believe there was an episode on True Life, an MTV series that covers addiction, that covered a female who was addicted to her phone. She was constantly on the internet. She even stated that she knows she needs to pay more attention to her family but she loves the internet too much. Her husband was threatening to divorce her because of this. Not only is this girl's relationship being strained but also mine. As I'm typing this, my boyfriend is on his computer surfing the internet. Now this is not uncommon for him to do and has been an issue earlier in our relationship. Even today I asked him to wash the dishes and do some things around the apartment and when I came home nothing was done. I'm not going to lie, I love my fair share of gaming and being on the internet. However, I make time for others and try my best to put my phone away and enjoy the scenery and suck in the nature on my way to classes. So obviously, this technology is changing people. Not everyone of course but enough to change the world.



Here is the True Life episode if you're interested: http://www.mtv.com/shows/truelife/true-life-im-addicted-to-the-internet/1708520/playlist/#id=1708520