Internet’s effect on social interactions

The two articles we read were very interesting.  I have always leaned more towards the view point of the second, but I didn’t feel like it provided much clear evidence that the internet is taking away from our physical social interactions.  For that matter, I didn’t think either article provided solid evidence for their points.  I do believe they provided enough information for this discussion though.  I see both points.  The internet has obviously enhanced some parts of our live, especially in how easy we can access information we need.  But I also say that social interaction has been affected.

I remember as a kid (elementary through middle school) the way we had to talk to our friends.  We had to run over to their house and ask their parents if they could come out and play for awhile.  We would go and play some game and talk while and in between playing.  That is how we socialized before we used technology and the internet.  Now you just shoot them a quick message if you want to interact or talk.  Then you usually just do something fun through chatting or online gaming.  This cuts down face to face time that is essential in developing as a human.  I feel that we constantly learn from experiences, and this subject is not an exception to this conversation.  We have to interact with people in a normal physical relationship in order to retain our social skills.  Even though a lot of interactions in the workplace are now through technology, it is still important to know how to interact with the people around you well.  If you can’t and you are just awkward in a social environment, you are not as likely to get a good job.