1. +
Technology’s Effect on Human
Socialization
Cynthia Orfanakos—200249746

2. + Introduction
 This presentation will be focused on...
 The effects that every day technologies have on the human brain
 How much is too much? Should our children be exposed to it?
 The importance and advantages of these technologies
 Its resulting negative effects
 Its resulting impact on a larger scale
 What does this mean for our future?
 Conclusion

3. + Ice Breaker
 To begin my presentation, I thought it might be fun to
include a short activity! This quiz will determine how
heavily you rely on the internet. The questions will
make you reflect on your habits and the results may
surprise you!
 http://netaddiction.com/internet-addiction-test/
 My Results: 34/100 (Average Online User)

4. + Technology Creates Social
Isolation and Neurosis
 “Although Participants in social media sites may list hundreds of “friends,” a
virtual community is not the same as one based on long-lasting face-to-face
relationships… person-to-person media such as the telephone and Facebook
can strengthen existing social connections, but they should not be seen as
substitutes for them”(Volti, 2014, p.280)
“New brain scan technology shows that our
brains are being rewired. Heavy web users
have fundamentally altered prefrontal
cortexes. The brains of Internet addicts, it
turns out, look like the brains of drug and
alcohol addicts. Even worse, Chinese
researchers have shown that our grey
matter—the part of the brain responsible for
processing of speech, memory, motor control,
emotion, sensory, and other information—is
shrinking or atrophying” (Hyatt, 2012)

5. +  Essentially, what this means is that technology has an effect on the brain
resulting in those who spend an excessive amount of time online, are
more likely to feel worse about themselves
 Numerous studies show that the more a person hangs out online the
worse they are likely to feel. Web use often displaces sleep, exercise, and
face-to-face exchanges, all of which can lead to loneliness, a sense of
isolation, and depression (Hyatt, 2012)
 Not only can the use of these technologies have an effect on one’s mental
and physical health is has also risen many challenges and consequences
such as laws , safety and security issues, usage, billing etc
 Some of the laws that have been developed as a result of technological
advancement are concerning:
 Texting and Driving
 Cyber Bullying
 Sexting
 Online Money Transfers
 Online Identity Theft
Issues that did not affect society before the internet age

6. + Should Technology be
Introduced at a Younger Age?
 The following video is a news report on two different
elementary school classes. One which heavily implements
technology in the curriculum and one that focuses on the
exact opposite
 Dr. Gary Small, Neuroscientist explains why this could have
negative effects on their brain development
 http://archive.9news.com/news/article/337182/129/Technolog
y-can-impact-brain-development-in-good-bad-ways

7. +
Advantages of Social Technology
 Can help develop relationships between people, businesses, organizations,
etc
 Information and resources are easily accessed by the general population
 Technologies such as computers, and tablets can help support education
 Allows for a broader base of research
 Provides opportunities for learning as well as employment

8. +
 Technologies such as social networks are being used as substitutes for
natural human experiences
 Excessive use is directly related to feelings of loneliness, depression,
anxiety, low self confidence, and lack of sleep
 Social isolation can lead to a shorter life span, increased bullying, and a
warped sense of reality
 Use of technology requires much less effort from the brain and as a result
people are challenging and “working out” their brains far less
 Can be a cause or result of an addictive personality
Disadvantages of Social
Technology

9. +
Global Standpoint
 Although 21st century technologies are often naturally associated with
industrially developed countries, they have become wide-spread in poorer
parts of the world. These technologies lack the sophisticated features of
those in wealthier countries; nevertheless they are used to maintain family
ties for migratory workers, to appraise farms and crop prices, basic medical
diagnostics, and mobile banking.
 Therefore these remarkably advanced technologies have made a large
difference, but nowhere more so than in the poor, rural areas of the world.
 “Facebook and other social media sites were important catalysts for
overthrowing dictatorships in the Middle East and North Africa, but
establishing viable democracies will be a long,
difficult process...Digital Communication is a two-
edged sword that can be a force for oppression as
well as of liberation (Volti, 2014, pg 271)

10. +
The Future of Socialization
 According to Janna Anderson and Lee Rainie, authors of The Future of
Social Relations, 85% of people questioned agreed with the folling
statement
 “In 2020, when I look at the big picture and consider my personal
friendships, marriage and other relationships, I see that the internet
has mostly been a positive force on my social world. And this will
only grow more true in the future.”
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAJVQNAceBQ#t=15

11. + A Look into the Future of
Technology

12. +
Conclusion
 Although these developing technologies come with multiple challenges
and consequences (some small and others grave) it is impossible to ignore
the ways in which it has improved the quality of life and learning.
 Modern technology will play a major role in the development of poor
countries, and more equal employment opportunities for people all over
the world.
 At this point, the world has become too involved and dependant on
technology and its rapid evolution to slow down its process or at all
remove it.

13. +
References
 Hyatt, M. (2012). What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains. Retrieved from
http://michaelhyatt.com/19-what-the-internet-is-doing-to-our-
brains-podcast.html
 Anderson, J. Rainie, L. (2010). The Future of Social Relations. Retrieved
from http://www.pewinternet.org/2010/07/02/the-future-of-social-
relations/
 Roo Girl. (2013). 25 Negative Effects of Technology. Retrieved from
http://roogirl.com/25-negative-effects-of-technology/
 Garcia, N. (2013). Technology can Impact Brain Development in Good,
Bad Ways. Retrieved from
http://archive.9news.com/news/article/337182/129/Technology-
can-impact-brain-development-in-good-bad-ways
 Volti, R. (2014). Social Impact of Technology. Pages 271-280.