MODERN MEDIA TECHNOLOGY: A THREAT TO HUMAN INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

The frequent usage of modern media technology to interact is now a global phenomenon. It has made it possible for the world to become a global village through the use of electronic gadget like mobile phones, computers and the introduction of social media as tool for communication. Through modern media technology as tool for communication, distance is no longer a barrier especially with the aid of programmed application like Facebook, Twitter (rebranded as ‘X’), WhatsApp, Tiktok, Email, etc. The negative aspect of these applications is that while it can be used at ease it has created wide gap in physical communication among relations, friends and associates. This days, people hardly have time to visit loved ones, or family for holidays or vacation. They will rather prefer to chat, ping, mail, or send videos, pictures, or voice notes instead of been physically present. While modern media technology offers us more convenience, human beings are now losing their ability to physically socialize, communicate and care for others. On this grounds, this paper observes that modern media technology has continued to accelerate the loss of human co-existence, affect individual control over their own lives, and undermining interpersonal relationships. Considering these negative impact of this technology, man must be wary of technology in order not to lose the physical bounds that is needed in inter-personal relationships in the world. The paper therefore, recommend that while modern media technological advancement has both positive and negative benefits to man, its usage should be minimized or better still regulated in order to produce a human society where man’s inter-personal relationships with others are not threatened.