The overuse of communication technology is a bad habit that many students are stuck in, but it will never replace the joy of communicating with each other and seeing the expression on people’s faces. 

On college campuses, it is not unusual to see a majority of students busy on their computers, iPads or phones. Although technology has improved our lives by connecting people all around the world who live in different places, it has made our lives impersonal.  

In observing a group of students sitting at a table at De Anza, I noticed that they all talked to each other and used their mobile devices at the same time. While I use my iPhone just as much as other students, and I hate it, like many others, I cannot give it up completely.

Technology, as many other things, has its advantages and disadvantages, including negative influences on our interpersonal communication. As many argue about the benefits of technology, some sociologists think it will result in a more isolated and violent generation. When we spend enormous amounts of time using technological devices and a very small time personally communicating with one another, we gradually lose the basic skills of social interaction, leading to people being socially isolated, according to the Pew Research Center. 

Before, families used to spend quality time discussing their ideas and talking with each other about general issues. Now, it is hard to find this within a family, as everybody has his own device to be distracted with.

Technology has deprived youth from being physically active, affecting their ability to learn and comprehend in an academic environment. Students are now dependent on technology for learning, with reduced abilities to learn without it, according to UCLA professor Gray Samuel. 

On the other side, there are some who defend the way students use their devices for learning.   Mizuko Ito, a researcher at the University of California, Irvine, says that young people who spend time online learn essential social and technical skills they need to be competent in the digital age. She argues that kids can expand their social life by connecting with peers on social networking account like Facebook or by publishing videos on YouTube. 

However, parents will always love to talk to their children, businessmen prefer to meet their partners and shake hands and friends still enjoy telling their stories and exchanging opinions face to face. 

It is still our choice what to prioritize first in our lives. In the end, technology should be used with balance.