The Effects Of Technology On Relationships Posted By Alex Li

The Effects Of Technology On Relationships Posted by Alex Lickerman Photo: Steve Keys Email

Claude Rosenberg Jr. and other scholars have long debated the influence of culture on individual thought, feelings, and behaviors, emphasizing that culture shapes perceptions and social interactions in profound ways. This essay explores three ways in which culture influences individuals, examines elements of self-concept affecting behavior, discusses the interrelation between culture, self, and attitudes, and analyzes social motivations behind aggression. Additionally, it evaluates the impact of technology on relationships, focusing on social media’s role in emotional expression, confrontation, and the long-term implications for our social fabric.

Three Ways Culture Can Influence the Way an Individual Thinks, Feels, and Behaves

Culture plays a pivotal role in shaping individual cognition, emotions, and behaviors through shared norms, values, and practices. Firstly, cultural norms dictate what is considered acceptable or taboo, influencing how individuals think about morality and social appropriateness. For example, in collectivist cultures, individuals often prioritize group harmony, which affects their decision-making and emotional responses (Hofstede, 2001). Secondly, culture influences emotional expression; some cultures encourage open display of emotions, such as joy or anger, while others promote emotional restraint, shaping how individuals feel and respond emotionally in social contexts (Ekman & Friesen, 1971). Thirdly, behaviors are directed by culturally embedded models of social interaction; for instance, from a young age, individuals learn hierarchies and interpersonal distance based on cultural expectations, which affects how they behave towards others. These cultural influences are deeply ingrained, guiding perceptions, feelings, and actions across various social situations (Levi-Strauss, 1963).

Three Elements of Self-Concept That Affect Behavior Towards Others

The self-concept, comprising beliefs about oneself, influences interpersonal behavior significantly. Firstly, self-esteem determines confidence in social interactions; individuals with high self-esteem tend to approach others more openly, displaying assertiveness, whereas low self-esteem may lead to withdrawal or submissiveness (Rosenberg, 1965). Secondly, personal identity, which includes aspects such as gender, ethnicity, and social roles, shapes expectations and treatment of others; for example, individuals identify strongly with their cultural or social group, influencing their empathy and interactions. Thirdly, self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to influence events—affects proactive versus passive behavior towards others. Those with high self-efficacy are more likely to engage confidently in social negotiations, while those with lower self-efficacy may avoid conflict or social engagement altogether (Bandura, 1977).

The Relationship Between Culture, Self, Attitudes, and Behavior

Culture and self influence attitudes, which are predispositions towards particular ideas or people, subsequently shaping behavior. For instance, a culture emphasizing individualism fosters attitudes valuing independence and personal achievement, leading to assertive behaviors. Conversely, collectivist cultures promote interdependence, nurturing attitudes favoring group conformity and cooperation (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). The self-concept mediates this relationship by internalizing cultural values, affecting one’s perceptions and judgments—thus, culture influences the self, which in turn forms attitudes. These attitudes guide behavioral responses in various social settings. For example, an individual from a culture that values respect for elders may behave deferentially toward older persons, aligning behavior with cultural attitudes rooted in cultural self-concepts (Triandis, 1995). This cyclical influence underscores the dynamic interaction of culture, self, attitudes, and behavior in social life.

Two Social Situations and Motivations for Aggressive Behavior

Social environments such as the workplace and family are fertile grounds for understanding aggression. In the workplace, competition for resources, recognition, or promotion can foster feelings of frustration and hostility. For example, an employee who perceives unfair treatment may act aggressively to compensate for perceived threats to their status or job security (Berkowitz, 1989). The motivation here stems from stress, envy, or perceived injustice. In familial contexts, unresolved conflicts, territorial disputes, or unmet needs can lead to aggressive acts, often motivated by emotional distress or attempts to establish dominance or control (Anderson & Bushman, 2002). Both social situations highlight that aggression often results from unmet psychological needs, perceived threats, or social provocations, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying motives to address aggression effectively.

Impact of Social Media on Emotional Expression and Confrontation

Social media dramatically alters how individuals express emotions and confront issues. On one hand, online platforms provide a space for emotional expression that might be difficult in face-to-face interactions. Virtual environments often encourage disinhibition, allowing individuals to share feelings more openly or, conversely, to mask true emotions with curated personas (Penney & Scherer, 2016). However, this can lead to a mismatch between online expressions and genuine feelings, complicating authentic connection. Confrontation, historically manageable face-to-face, becomes easier online because of perceived anonymity, reduced accountability, and emotional distance, which lower inhibitions but often lead to misunderstandings or hostility (Suler, 2004). Although online confrontation can be less intimidating, it frequently lacks the empathy and nuance inherent in in-person discussions, risking escalation of conflicts.

Pros and Cons of Online Friendships

Online friendships offer numerous benefits, including increased social connectivity, especially for individuals with limited local interactions or mobility constraints. These relationships can foster support networks, enhance cultural exchange, and provide emotional outlets (Nguyen & Han, 2018). Nonetheless, they possess inherent drawbacks; online friendships lack non-verbal cues that are vital for deep emotional understanding, increasing the potential for miscommunication. Furthermore, virtual relationships may lack the intimacy and trust that develop through physical proximity and shared experiences. The potential for dependency on online interactions might lead to social isolation in the real world, impacting mental health over time.

“Emotional Invisibility” and Long-term Implications of Online Friendships

Alex Lickerman describes “emotional invisibility” as the tendency for online communications to obscure or diminish genuine emotional exchanges. Without visible cues such as facial expressions or tone of voice, individuals find it challenging to accurately interpret emotions or respond empathetically. This invisibility can lead to misunderstandings, insensitivity, or increased hostility in online interactions (Cap Ashley, 2020). The long-term implications of substituting online friendships for face-to-face relationships are complex. While online relationships can complement real ones, they risk replacing meaningful physical interactions, potentially leading to social disconnection and emotional detachment. Although technology can enhance connectivity, the depth and authenticity of relationships might suffer if virtual interactions wholly replace in-person connections. It is unlikely that online interactions will entirely supplant real-life relationships, as human beings inherently crave physical proximity and tactile interactions for emotional fulfillment (Turkle, 2015). However, the balance between virtual and real interactions will continue to evolve, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology mindfully into our social lives.

References

• Berkowitz, L. (1989). Frustration, Email, and Aggression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(5), 913–923.
• Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215.
• Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1971). Constants across cultures in the face and emotion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 17(2), 124–129.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.
• Levi-Strauss, C. (1963). The Raw and the Cooked. Harper & Row.
• Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological Review, 98(2), 224–253.
• Nguyen, M., & Han, S. (2018). The Impact of Online Friendships on Social Well-Being. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 21(5), 319–325.
• Penney, C. G., & Scherer, K. R. (2016). The role of online disinhibition in emotional expression. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 21(3), 173–187.
• Suler, J. (2004). The Online Disinhibition Effect. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 7(3), 321–326.
• Turkle, S. (2015). Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. Penguin Books.