Madriñan, Wency M.

BSHM 1B
Purposive Communication- Reaction Paper
Sherry Turkle: Connected but Alone?
After watching the talk of Sherry Turkle “Connected but Alone”, it makes me think that
what she wanted to tell the viewers is that although the modern technology connects people,
she comes up with the idea on how these technologies cut the physical bond people must
engage with. She mentions having her daughter together in her talk when the daughter is 5
years old, and receiving a text message instead at the time of her talk when the daughter is
already in college. She comes up with the thought of being connected but not being with her
daughter physically without considering or mentioning that maybe the daughter has something
important things to do, maybe classes, school activities, projects, or review. As a student, I
experience how useful technology is. It makes me connect to people near me and far away
from me. Through text, email, and messenger, I can send messages to people in different
places. Whenever, I have somewhere to go or something to do, I just send a message to my
parents for them to be updated. And I believe that these technologies are serving their purpose
and that is what’s important. Actually, I somewhat agree and disagree with Sherry. I agree that
people’s lives are changed but disagree that the technologies are the main reason of it.
Technology can be an influence, but people are the problem. People tend to be overwhelmed
of the usefulness of the technology we have today and abuse them. People who don’t attend
funeral and sending condolences through text or other messaging apps instead even can attend
in person and without reasons not to attend to, is not to blame in gadgets or technology
because with or without messaging, he or she won’t attend if don’t want to. My point is who
we are or who we will be with our gadgets is our decision and we must not put blame to
anything else. So, for me the talk is favor to the negative effect of modern technology in
people’s behavior toward physical presence and togetherness. It is more of one face of the
story without looking at a wider view.