Technology's Impact on Communication

Key Points:

Decline in Emotional Intelligence & Empathy:

• Undermines self-awareness:

  • More time on tech leaves less time to process our own thoughts therefore decreasing self-awareness.

• Weakens self-regulation:

  • Tech dependence increases impulsivity and lowers frustration tolerance. Without this ability to self-regulate, kids become emotionally immature, and we see an increase in behaviors, such as tantrums, bullying, and angry outbursts. 

• Diminishes social skills:

  • Even when kids play games online with each other it rarely leads to true friendships. In this way tech reliance breeds isolation. Leaves kids with poor coping skills and limited tools for navigating relationships.

• Undermines Empathy:

  • When screen time replaces family or friend time, kids move through the world in a trance-like state, self-absorbed and detached from others.

• Stunts Motivation:

  • Motivation which is necessary for completing goals and requires drive begins to decline.

  • Sustained attention and high levels of frustration begin to ensue. When forced to interact with the world grow frustrated and irritable. As a result, face anxiety and depression.