Do you not sometimes feel a daunting vision of the future when technology is advancing faster than we can keep up? Delving into the world of modern innovations, it is worth contemplating the psychological and social challenges brought about by excessive technological expansion, including the evolving technologies of augmented reality (AR), such as Google AR.


Flourishing Technological Era: Psychological Threats

Isn't it true that the too-rapid development of technology can impact our mental well-being? Studies conducted in recent years indicate that frequent use of AR technology can lead to an increase in the feeling of social isolation. Negative effects also include issues with interpersonal communication, as individuals immersed in the virtual world begin to lose the ability for genuine presence in relationships.

It is essential to regularly detach from screens and spend time with loved ones in the real world. We can also consciously limit the time spent on electronic devices to focus on activities that promote our psychological well-being. Remember that technology can be useful, but we have control over how we use it and how it affects our daily lives.

A study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2018 by Jean M. Twenge, Keith N. Campbell, and W. Keith Campbell focused on teenagers' attachment to smartphones and its impact on mental health. The results unequivocally indicated that excessive use of these devices may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and sleep problems among adolescents. This finding underscores the importance of moderate use of mobile technology and the need for conscious monitoring of teenagers' smartphone usage to protect their mental health.


Oversaturation and Social Reality

With the advancement of AR technology, there is a real threat of oversaturation of society. Penetrating our daily lives, virtual experiences may lead to social disintegration, as people increasingly choose virtual interactions at the expense of real-life meetings. This phenomenon can result in a loss of the ability to read emotions in direct relationships, thereby affecting the quality of our social interactions.

Introducing augmented reality technology into everyday life brings many benefits, but at the same time, certain threats emerge. The ability to immerse oneself in the virtual world may lead to isolation from reality and a reduction in face-to-face contact. It is crucial to remember to maintain a balance between the virtual and real worlds to avoid negative consequences for our social relationships and interpersonal skills. Let's use AR technology consciously and thoughtfully to derive maximum benefits while caring for our relationships with others and developing the ability to communicate directly and empathetically.


Communication Challenges and AR Technology

One of the key threats associated with AR technology is the growing communication problem. As recent studies show, excessive focus on virtual interactions can lead to difficulties in expressing and interpreting feelings in the real world. This, in turn, poses problems for building genuine, deep relationships and maintaining healthy interpersonal communication.

In today's world, where AR technology is becoming increasingly prevalent, it is important to pay attention to the growing communication problem. Excessive engagement in virtual interactions can limit our ability to express and understand feelings in the real world, making it difficult to build authentic relationships and maintain healthy interpersonal communication. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balance between the virtual and real worlds to avoid losing important interpersonal skills and deep connections with others.

A study on the impact of technology on interpersonal relationships conducted by Maeve Duggan and Aaron Smith in 2016 at the Pew Research Center highlighted that technology can have both positive and negative effects on interpersonal relationships. On one hand, it can help maintain contact with loved ones, facilitating easier long-distance communication. On the other hand, excessive dependence on technology can lead to social isolation and a sense of loneliness, as online interactions may replace face-to-face relationships. The study emphasized the complexity of technology's impact on interpersonal relationships, requiring a balance between using modern means of communication and maintaining direct human interactions.


Social Consequences of Oversaturation

The alarming prospect of social isolation is currently one of the most serious challenges for psychology and sociology. As AR technology becomes more widespread, our ability to build strong social bonds may significantly weaken. This phenomenon questions the foundations of society, which rely on interpersonal interactions, empathy, and shared experiences.

Introducing new technologies into our lives brings many benefits but also potential threats to social relationships. It is important to remember that, regardless of everything, we have control over how we use technology and how it affects our social life. Consciously deciding when and how we use AR devices, developing communication skills, and supporting genuine presence in relationships are crucial steps toward maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships.


How to Counteract Threats?

In the face of these psychological and social challenges, there is an urgent need for reflection on how to effectively counteract the negative effects of technological progress. Education, encompassing both communication skills and conscious use of new technologies, can play a crucial role in preventing negative consequences. Additionally, supporting social initiatives that promote genuine presence in everyday life can contribute to protecting society from isolation.


One of the key ways is education, covering the development of communication skills and learning how to consciously use new technologies. By increasing social awareness and promoting healthy internet usage habits, we can effectively prevent the negative consequences of technology. Additionally, supporting social initiatives that promote genuine presence in everyday life can help society avoid isolation and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. It is also worthwhile to promote offline activities, such as sports, art, or volunteering, to maintain a balance between the virtual and real worlds. By acting together and making conscious decisions, we can effectively counteract the negative effects of technological progress and enjoy the benefits it brings while preserving our mental and social well-being.


Summary: Transformations in the Shadow of Technological Progress

In summary, the future in the shadow of technological progress poses many psychological and social challenges. The key task is to find a balance between the benefits of new technologies and maintaining the healthy functioning of society. Conscious use of AR technology, development of communication skills, and support for genuine presence in relationships are crucial steps towards a future that combines innovation with human nature.

Google VR

References:

  • Turkle, S. (2017). "Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age." Penguin Books.
  • Ahn, S. J., Le, A. M. T., & Bailenson, J. N. (2013). "The Effect of Embodied Experiences on Self-Other Merging, Attitude, and Helping Behavior." Media Psychology, 16(1), 7–38. doi:10.1080/15213269.2012.755877
  • Konijn, E. A., Veldhuis, J., Plaisier, X. S., Utz, S., & Verhoef, J. (2017). "Soothing the Threatened Self: Exploring the Effects of Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem on Responses to a Virtual Social Rejection." PLOS ONE, 12(4), e0175388. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175388
  • Choudhury, M. D., Gamon, M., Counts, S., & Horvitz, E. (2013). "Predicting Depression via Social Media." ICWSM, 128-137.