“Real Versus Virtual”

In the “Empathy Gap” by Sherry Turkle the author claims that because human beings are obsessed with being digitally connected that the empathy gap has opened making people less empathetic towards each other. Turkle reports that humans do not appreciate the value of talk which is being undermined because many people fear a real conversation which does not allow them to control the situation including giving someone their undivided attention which allows a people to become vulnerable. Turkle does not disagree that our decreased capacity for empathy can be scary she argues impressively that by showing weakness and vulnerability will help us become more empathetic. The author supports the idea that our communication is at risk because people want

Human’s also crave interaction from other human beings. We enjoy sharing experiences with others, as much as we enjoy the remoteness of a walk alone in the woods. When these things are combined, sometimes we learn the most, and have the most enriched experiences. The human interaction we crave, can not be found in nature.

As humans, there are many aspects that separate and distinguish us from other animals. However, I believe the most valuable distinction is our ability to create meaningful relationships. Whether these relationships are friendships, marriages or any other union of two people, this connection is the basis of our humanity. Through relationships were able to share knowledge, discuss ideas, and better ourselves through the enlightenment of others.

George Barna, for one, in The Power of Vision: Discover and Apply God's Plan for Your Life, that science and technology are not incompatible with faith and spirituality, they are just different. Faith cannot be measured in dynamic terms, nor can it be universally quantified. We might also point out that there is a clear difference between faith and religion. Faith is a concept, a belief, a trust; religion is manmade, and as any student of history knows, variable over the course of time, society, and individual cultures. This brings us to the idea of vision, and the way vision can change organizations and individuals.

Technology has really changed the lives of people both physically and mentally. It brings us the new experiences. Along with technology, communication has never become so easy. But the technology has certain downsides. It soon makes us change the meaning of the word "communication" to "connection". Sherry Turkle claims, "We live in a technological universe in which we are always communicating. And yet we have sacrificed conversation for mere connection.". And I agree. Sherry uses of logos isn't effective enough, but by using numerous other modes of persuasion, she makes me agree with her argument.

In today’s culture, people who regularly play video games have been stereotypically viewed as overweight, lazy, slobs, who can’t keep a job and never leave their homes. However, a majority of the population plays video games or owns a console. These stereotypes mostly apply to PC gamers, and MMO players in particular. While most people don’t develop such severe addictions to the game, there is a group of people who suffer. These people are usually imagined as overweight men in their parent’s basements, sporting acne and greasy hair. There are most definitely people that fit this profile, however, video game addiction can claim many different people from many different walks of life. It is most definitely a serious issue, but some people don’t see the degree to which it affects everyday life. Personally, I feel that I can elaborate on the matter with a different perspective, as I have been closeup and personal to video game addiction.

Even though Turkle communicates her claim in a professional and educated manner, the issue at hand is too complex for a single explanation. Throughout the entire argument, there seems to be a lack of response to her audience’s concerns. Speaking in only absolutes, Turkle attributes technology as the main cause for alienating people from one another, yet, we must look at all the available evidence that could cause our society to become alienated from one another. For instance, Turkle chooses not to address the fact that there may be other ways a person can create a “new state of self,” (507) which is what Turkle refers to as a virtual second life, thus creating an unbalance within Turkle’s claim leading her audience to question her ethos. In

Dr. Connie Bertka’s essay, “A Primer on Science, Religion, Evolution and Creationism,” expands on Kingsolver’s idea that science and religion have cohabited by explaining how science and religion are formative elements that shape society and serves to contribute to the common good. The relationship between science and religion can be described as a conflict approach which means that “science sets the standard of truth to which religion must adhere to or be dismissed or religion sets the standard to which science must conform.” On the other hand, science and religion can form an interactive relationship in which ideas converge from a scientific and religious perspective. Dr. Bertka mentions that religion and science can be taught in a classroom, since their interactive relationship can constructively benefit from engagement, since they both lead to individual insight and communal discernment.

If a person walked past twenty people, at least half of them would be using technological devices. People can send photos, papers and videos with the click of a button. These new scientific creations have been said to make life simpler for the common person. It is said that technology is the key to success and progress in a society but many argue that it is religion and faith instead. Which is true? What really leads to improvements? Is it technology, or does "technological process merely provide us with more efficient means of going backwards"(Aldous Huxley)? This conflict is shown in Aldous Huxley's book, Brave New World. This book tells the story of two separate societies: Civilized and Savage. They both have

Many anti-technologist groups derive from Ordnung Amish communities. Most of Amish Communities view technology as a barrier from traditions and society; therefore, they distinguish which device to use for benefits such as windmills, etc. Thinking of the benefits of no technology, I decided to take the challenge to an extent, of no phones, television, or music, etc. for one day. I believed the challenge would’ve been easy, because I rarely watch television, but I was wrong. Throughout the day, I was surrounded by technology, it was difficult to avoid it, when I felt as if it was calling my name. As a result, I had to separate myself from technology. Knowing that I couldn’t fall into technology’s temptation, I went to my room. In my room, there

In the evolving age of science and technology the solid and proveable world is beginning to put our faith in higher beings and powers.For example, biopsychologist Dr. Nigel Barber predicts religion could die out by 2041 due to being replaced with materialistic items. A country’s GDP, local prices and human development index have caused Dr. Barber to come to the conclusion that the average country will be secular in 2041. In Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke, preachings and prophecies are dissolving as a god complex for a superior race and their devices grows. In the future, it is possible that religion will be replaced with machines and artificial intelligence

“Little by little, Internet and mobile technology seems to be subtly destroying the meaningfulness of interactions we have with others, disconnecting us from the world around us, and leading to an imminent sense of isolation in today’s society.” (Melissa Nilles “Technology is Destroying the Quality of Human Interaction”) Because of technology, the interactions with other people have no meaning, and that we are no longer in touch with the world that we live in. Since technology makes it easier to connect and converse with friends, family, etc. it gives people the opportunity to avoid face to face interaction at all, which leads to isolation and loneliness. This is because as human beings, physical touch is something that we

Wernher Von Braun said that Science and Religion are not antagonistic, they are sisters.   The same can be said of technology.   As Billy Graham stated neither science or technology can answer the question  of human evil, human suffering, and Death.  Only God can change the heart and only God can right wrong.  Science and technology are tools in the hands of man.  Those tools can be used for good or for evil.   The same atomic technology can destroy an entire city or provide power to the same. Rocket technology can send a man to the moon or destroy plans, shipped, and other target from mile away.  The internet can be a great resource of learning and knowledge sharing or a place of degradation and evil.   Science has always been a close companion

Over time, we have developed more and more advanced technology from radios to robots, this has impacted us in a way no one would imagine. In Sherry Turkle’s Ted Talk “Connected, but alone?,” Turkle clarifies how technology is redefining human connection. She points out that our cellphones are keeping us away from interacting with society and has a more significant influence on our communication in person than online. In addition, we tend to seek social media as a way of comfort and attention, and the more we are using our phones the more isolated and alone we become. Is technology really redefining human connection?

Since the dawn of mankind religion has been one of the most significant elements of a society’s social and cultural beliefs and actions. However, this trend has declined due to the general increase in knowledge regarding our the natural sciences. Where we had previously attributed something that we didn’t understand to the working of a higher power, is now replaced by a simple explanation offered by natural sciences. While advocates of Religion may question Natural Sciences by stating that they are based on assumptions, it is important to note the Natural Sciences are based on theories and principles which can be proven using mathematical equations and formulas. Faith however contrasts from the easily visible feasibility of data