We are the smartphone generation. Everything is just a short click away no matter where in the world you might find yourself. But it seems to me that technology is replacing actual human contact.

 

‘Our generation’s expectations have been lowered because we expect texting over a phone call or anything else,’ said Montana Pierri, a senior psychology major.

 

With the convenience of a cellphone or the Internet, it’s easy to let your fingers do the talking. Gone are the days of love notes and cheesy one-liners. Who wants that? This is the age of sexting.

 

When you don’t have to look someone in the face, there’s an added layer of confidence. Want that guy to know you’re interested but afraid of what he’ll say when you hit on him in person? Send him a raunchy text message.

 

But sexting doesn’t even begin to cover it. With your phone and computer, you can take pictures and videos to send to your lover. And even though it’s a very real possibility that that picture or video will be shown to more people than you intended, people are still sending these revealing messages. But people have thrown their inhibitions out the window in exchange for the thrill of these provocative texts.

 

We’ve become so dependent on technology that there are even college dating websites. Take, for example, Datemyschool.com. No more going out and meeting someone new. You can just log on, create a profile and find singles from your school.

 

But it seems that these days most people are looking to just have fun for the night. Sites like these help those who are looking for a more serious relationship find someone else with similar interests.

 

All right, so I guess that does make some sense. But what about apps like Grindr, an application for gay men that uses GPS to pinpoint other gay men around their area. You make a quick profile, upload a photo, and no matter where you are, you can find someone. Grindr’s website describes itself as ‘the go-to app for socializing in seconds with the guys right around you.’

 

But isn’t this a little intrusive? Is it OK for people to be able to find you no matter where you are and chat you?

But it can be argued that no one is being forced to sign up for apps like Grindr. It is done completely voluntarily, and people know what they are getting themselves into. Maybe for them, the benefits of having a tool like this outweigh the possible repercussions.

 

But can technology truly replace face-to-face interaction?

 

‘I dated this guy who actually calls, and it was the most miraculous thing in the world,’ said Emma Krupnick, a senior public policy major. ‘Instead of texting me to ask me on a date, he called and asked me to dinner. It’s the gentlemanly thing to do.’

 

I can totally see the convenience in all of this technology. I couldn’t live without my iPhone, and that doesn’t even begin to cover it. A text is great and does let someone know you’re thinking about them (whether sexually or not). It’s important to keep in mind, however, that there’s really nothing that can replace face-to-face interactions, whatever kind of interactions it might be that you’re looking for.  A text, message or email can be deleted in an instant, but the feeling you get when you see that special someone in person can last a lifetime.

Rita Kokshanian is a senior magazine journalism major. Her column appears every Thursday. She can be reached at rhkoksha@syr.edu.

Published on September 21, 2011 at 12:00 pm