The document discusses how technology can create social isolation and neurosis. It provides statistics showing that technology reduces in-person interactions and lowers reliance on spouses for discussions. While technology has benefits like convenience and access to information, overuse can be problematic as it replaces face-to-face social interactions. Different technologies are examined like smartphones, video games, social media, television, and self-serve machines, with both pros and cons discussed for each. The conclusion is that technology overuse and addiction can lead to isolation and mental health issues, so moderation and balance is important.

1. TECHNOLOGY
CREATES ISOLATION
AND NEUROSIS
HAYLEY SCHAAF
APRIL 9th, 2013

2. Introduction
Statistics
Definition
Technology Pros vs. Cons
Conclusion
Positive Note
Reference List

3. Statistics
Approximately 95% of people have said
something through a form of technology that they
would not say in person
“Internet users are 38% less likely to rely
exclusively on their spouses as discussion
confidents” (Rainie, 2009).
“Physically being with others can lead to a
release of the 'feel good' hormone oxytocin,
which is an anti-inflammatory” (Morgan, 2011).

4. What is Social Isolation?
As defined by an online source, “it is a state or
process in which persons, groups, or cultures
lose or do not have communication or
cooperation with one another, often resulting in
open conflict” (dictionary.reference.com,
2012).
• Can lead to forms of
depression and other
mental illnesses

5. Technology that plays a
role in isolation and
neurosis
The Smartphone
Video games
The Internet & Social Networks
The Television
Google Glass
Self-Serve

6. The Smartphone
PROS CONS
Communication is Losing concept of how to
much more convenient verbally communicate –
several people text or
Allows access to World email bad new rather
Wide Web at any time than in person
Generation that has a
lowered attention level
Wrong use of technology,
society has a loss of
privacy

7. Video Games
Pros Cons
Hand eye co-ordination Highly addictive form of
technology
Currently used as a
training tool in some Potentially ruins
industries such as the relationships due to
addiction and lack of
military intimacy
Gain motor skills Fall into a state of
mental illness from lack
of personal interaction

8. Internet* Social Networks
Pros Cons
Access to virtually Networking sites are starting to
become a breading grounds for
millions of databases cyber bullying
full of information
Loss of personal communication
E-commerce cuts skills – therefore potentially leading
costs for several to a form of isolation
businesses Less interaction while shopping
due to online stores and shipping
Easy to keep in to our door step
contact with those far
Online banking and other online
away services creates easy and
convenient service; however some
people that use ALL forms of online
services will begin to lose their
social interaction skills

9. The Television
Pros Cons
Enables us to keep in Deceiving for some, such
as the perfection of those
touch with real world in the media– Feel for the
current events need of perfection can
lead to negative self
Great learning image thoughts which
can lead to depression
experiences for all (ie. and neurosis
For kids- Bill Nye or
There are those who
Magic School Bus) abuse the television, with
various things such as
addiction or pornography
– which can ruin
relationships and lead to
isolation

10. Google Glass
Pros Cons
Hands-free phone– Distraction- the data is placed in
phone calls safer while your line of site, therefore the
driving user may be concentrated more
on the data then the
Access to world wide environment around them
web, camera, phone all (Baldwin, 2012)
with voice/ one-touch Privacy issues- this may work
activation backwards and cause those not
using the glasses to isolate
themselves more due to privacy
issues of the camera on the
glasses, not knowing when a

11. Self-serve
Pros Cons
Fast easy way to pay Less interaction with
sale associates,
Convenience for therefore reducing
customers and social interaction
employees is the main The issue with self serve machines is that
idea they are everywhere. We can literally go to
the bank machine to get money, the gas
station to fill up, the grocery store to get
food, they even have movie dispenser
rentals in some stores now. It was okay
when there was just an ATM to do banking
fast, however now that every industry
almost has some form of self serve
machinery, it may have more of an impact
on our society’s social interaction level.
Majority of these services can be done
online as well from the comfort of your
home, however some people that is all

12. Conclusion
Overall technology has impacted us immensely psychologically.
Not only is it an addictive distraction for several, it consumes a large
amount of our time and we become so dependent on it. As a result we no
longer feel the need to interact as much with others. Technology is in a
way driving our society into a state of isolation with online shopping, self
serve machines and smartphones that can do just about anything. Part of
the problem is majority of the technology is addictive, therefore leading to
isolation which can result in neurosis and depression. However as you
can see in this presentation there are several good aspects of each
technology, therefore people need to learn how to respect the usage of
technology and use it appropriately.

13. On a more positive note..
As stated in an online article, “In this fast pace of
life where people don’t have time for their own,
technology helps every person to save time and
can spend that leisure time on other creative
things, passions and other
activities”(Speedupyourlife, 2010).
Technology may not be the problem, I believe the
users are the problem. If society learns to
respect the limits of appropriate technology
usage, this may not become a situation of
isolation and neurosis.

14. Reference List
Baldwin, H. (2012). Google’s project glass eyewear. PCWorld
Retrieved from
http://www.pcworld.com/article/253259/googles_project_glass_
eyewear_next_big_google_flop_or_hit_.html
Morgan, B. (2011). Is Technology making us lonely? The Pulse:
ABC Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from
http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2011/11/03/33531
84.htm#.UWH9IUI2_lI
N/A. (2010). The impact of technology in your life.
Speedupyourlife. Retrieved from
http://www.speedupyourlife.com/the-impact-of-technology-in-
your-life/
Rainie, L. (2009). How the internet and mobile phones impact
Americans’ social networks. Pew Internet & American Life
Project Retrieved from
http://www.site.uottawa.ca/stan.csi2911/Pew.pdf