Natalie Bell

ENG110

Jesse Miller

Title???

                  Technology today is undoubtedly an undeniable force that shapes how people live, think, and even interact with one another. In Technophilia by Kevin Kelly, he believes that technology can expand the human potential, as well as fostering innovation. In contrast, The Empathy Diaries by Sherry Turkle, she warns people how the ways of technology can diminish and weaken human relationships and genuine empathy towards others. Both of their perspectives seem opposing to each other; however, both can capture the essential truths about the impact of technology today, and the role it plays in society. I do agree with both Kelly and Turkle that technology is a powerful tool that is able to help enhance human capabilities, however, it also has many challenges accustomed to it that need to be addressed to be able to maintain and preserve meaningful connections with others. By looking closer at both of their arguments, examining one’s optimism and one’s caution, it can help us better understand how to embrace these advancements seen today, while avoiding their negative effects on people today.

                  While looking at Kevin Kellys views on technology, it is shown how he argues that technology today is a driving force that can help expand the human mind and protentional. In Technophilia, he argues that these technological advancements seen today have helped propel society forward. With pushing society forward, it can help enhance efficiency, and even global communication. Kelly also believes that instead of fearing technology, it should be embraced as a helpful part of human evolution, and that we will learn to love it more down the road.

                  In comparison to Kellys overall optimism, Sherry Turkle puts forward a more cautious perspective on the impact of technology on people, especially how it affects human relationships, and even empathy. In The Empathy Diaries, Turkle argues that although the internet has made it easier for communication, and in some ways connection, it has also led to a steep decline in meaningful face-to-face interactions, which are essential to human life. Participating in meaningful face-to-face conversations are a gateway to developing genuine emotional connections. (put quote in here) She also believes and warns us that with the progression of technology and how its evolving, there will be a rise of virtual relationships, and it can get rid of our ability to have empathy with each other and even engage in meaningful conversations. (put quote in here then add analysis)

                  Kevin Kelly and Sherry Turkle offer very different, but also complementary views on the role and impact of technology in modern society.