Currently re-reading Sherry Turkle's Alone Together—and honestly, it’s been a slightly unsettling read. 📖 The book delves into our evolving relationship with technology, particularly the rise of social robots designed to replace human connection. From robot dogs and Furbies to children’s companions and elder care, this rapid technological progression raises a critical question:
Are we forgetting that nothing can truly replace the presence and compassion of another human being?
One point that really struck me: 📱 “Studies show that if two people are having lunch, a cell phone at the table steers the conversation to lighter subjects, and each party feels less invested in the other. It’s not surprising. Each person in the conversation knows that with a phone on the landscape, you can be interrupted at any time.”
This resonates deeply. I already try to keep my phone out of sight during meaningful conversations, but seeing the science behind it reinforces how essential it is to be present.
Other powerful quotes from the book: 👉 “We seem determined to give human qualities to objects and content to treat each other as things.” 👉 “Technology makes us forget what we know about life.” 👉 “Where we examine the assumption that we are getting something important from these new technologies, we must ask whether a technology expands our capacities and possibilities or exploits our vulnerabilities?” 👉 “People are lonely. The network is seductive. But if we are always on, we may deny ourselves the rewards of solitude.”
As a designer, these insights are crucial. The projects I aim to be a part of are not just about bridging the gap between humans and the natural world—but also about bringing us closer to each other.
Turkle’s research is a powerful reminder to reflect on our relationship with technology and consider how we can shift toward more compassionate, human-centered designs. 🌿
